US and Iran Finalize Draft 60-Day Deal to Extend Ceasefire and Launch Nuclear Talks

Negotiators from the United States and Iran have finalized a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at extending the current ceasefire and launching formal negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program for an initial 60-day period.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval to the agreement, according to two American officials and a regional source involved in the mediation process who spoke to Axios. Iran has also not officially confirmed its acceptance of the proposed deal.

If signed, the agreement would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the outbreak of the current Middle East conflict. Nevertheless, analysts and officials say a final comprehensive agreement addressing Trump administration demands over Iran’s nuclear activities would still require lengthy and difficult negotiations.

One U.S. official involved in the talks told Axios, “This is essentially a framework to bring everyone to the negotiating table. The remaining details will be resolved during the main negotiations.”

According to U.S. officials, the terms of the agreement were largely finalized by Tuesday, though approval from senior leadership on both sides remained necessary. American officials claimed Iranian representatives later returned and indicated they had authorization to proceed and were prepared to sign the deal. Iran has not independently confirmed that claim.

Meanwhile, although U.S. negotiators briefed President Trump on the details of the proposed agreement, he did not immediately approve it. One American official said Trump informed mediators that he needed “another day or two” to consider the matter.

Officials noted that previous rounds of diplomacy had also appeared close to success before ultimately collapsing.

Key Elements of the Proposed 60-Day Agreement

According to U.S. officials, the memorandum includes several major provisions:

Free Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would remain “free and open,” meaning no tolls could be imposed and vessels would not face harassment. Iran would also be required to remove all naval mines from the waterway within the next 30 days.

Lifting of Blockades and Sanctions Relief

The United States would gradually lift its naval blockade in coordination with the restoration of normal commercial shipping activity. Washington would also ease certain economic sanctions to allow Iran to sell oil more freely on international markets.

Iran’s Nuclear Program

The draft agreement would include Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.

During the 60-day negotiation period, initial talks would focus on how Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles could be transferred or destroyed and how uranium enrichment activities would be restricted and monitored.

In return, the United States would discuss broader sanctions relief and the possible release of frozen Iranian financial assets as part of future negotiations.

Humanitarian Aid and Regional Stability

The agreement also proposes discussions on creating a special mechanism to facilitate humanitarian aid and international goods entering Iran.

Additionally, the memorandum reportedly references efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Tensions Continue Despite Progress

Even as negotiations near completion, two minor confrontations between U.S. and Iranian forces reportedly occurred in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 48 hours.

A U.S. official said Iran now faces a major opportunity to stabilize its economy.

“There are people within Iran’s leadership who understand that this is an opportunity to move in a different direction,” the official said. “During these 60 days, we will see what actually happens. The more flexibility Iran shows in negotiations, the more benefits it will receive.”

At the same time, the Trump administration warned that if Iran fails to uphold its commitments regarding nuclear issues during negotiations, all options — including economic and military measures — would remain available to the United States.

Officials also stated that any discussion regarding the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the region would depend entirely on reaching a final and permanent agreement.