The United States and Iran are close to extending a fragile ceasefire for another 60 days, as mediators work on an interim agreement that could create a framework for broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program and regional security issues, according to a report by the Financial Times.
People familiar with the negotiations told the newspaper that the proposed agreement includes the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing sanctions on Tehran in stages, easing the US blockade on Iranian ports, and discussions about Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The talks aim to prevent renewed military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Saturday that Tehran is discussing a “memorandum of understanding” to formally end the war as a first step before broader negotiations over the next 30 to 60 days.Baqaei said: “We are now in the process of finalizing this memorandum of understanding.”The proposed extension comes amid concerns that President Donald Trump may resume strikes on Iran if negotiations fail, potentially escalating a conflict that has already destabilized large parts of the Middle East.
What was included in the proposed agreement?
According to diplomats involved in the talks, one of the key elements of the agreement is the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route through which a large share of global oil exports passes.
Gulf states are particularly concerned that a prolonged conflict could disrupt maritime trade and lead to new energy shocks around the world.The agreement will also reportedly include discussions on Iran’s stockpile of about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched near weapons-grade levels. Washington wants Tehran to either dilute the material or move it elsewhere as part of a broader nuclear understanding.In return, the United States is expected to ease restrictions on Iranian ports and gradually move toward easing sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets located abroad.
Why are conversations important?
The mediators believe a 60-day extension could help stabilize the situation long enough for broader diplomatic negotiations to take shape. A diplomat familiar with the talks said progress had been made.“The agreement seems to be moving in the right direction,” the diplomat said. “It is now under review with the Americans.”The diplomat added: “The Iranians would likely be willing to provide more in nuclear energy, but they will not do so while the war is ongoing – this deal helps bridge the gap.”The talks accelerated after Pakistani and Qatari negotiators held discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday and Friday. Pakistan later said the negotiations resulted in “encouraging progress toward reaching a final understanding” between the United States and Iran.Mediation efforts reportedly included regular contacts with US envoy Steve Witkoff, while the Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
What are the sticking points?
Despite signs of diplomatic movement, deep differences remain unresolved. One of the biggest hurdles is Trump’s demand that Iran completely abandon any path toward the ability to make nuclear weapons.The US President reportedly insisted that Iran hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and dismantle its three main nuclear facilities at the Natanz Nuclear Facility, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. These facilities were targeted during US strikes carried out after Washington joined the 12-day Israeli conflict with Iran last June.It is believed that enriched uranium is still buried under the rubble of those facilities, especially in Isfahan.Meanwhile, Iranian leaders continue to insist that they will not give up their sovereign rights.Qalibaf told Pakistani negotiators that Tehran would not back down from its “rights,” especially in dealing with the United States, which “was not honest and cannot be trusted.”At the same time, he said that Iran remains ready to continue diplomacy to secure its “legitimate rights and interests.”Baghaei also warned that the negotiations are still fragile.Baghaei said: “On the one hand, we have the experience of the American side’s contradictory statements and its changing positions. They have put forward conflicting positions several times.” “We cannot be absolutely certain that this approach will not change.”“On the other hand, the views [of the two sides] He added: “We are getting closer, not in the sense that we have reached agreement on such important issues, but in the sense that we can reach a mutually satisfactory solution on the basis of a set of criteria.”
Why are the Gulf countries concerned?
Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are watching the talks closely because renewed conflict could destabilize the Gulf region and further worsen the global energy crisis.Trump said earlier this week that the United States had postponed new attacks on Iran while “serious negotiations” continued. He added that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE asked Washington to suspend military operations.Regional allies fear that if US-Israeli strikes resume, Iran may retaliate by targeting Gulf states and disrupting energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the region.
