The United States and Iran are nearing a 60-day ceasefire agreement to end their war. Once President Donald Trump grants final approval, the war, now in its third month, would halt and the two sides would discuss terms for ending the conflict over a 60-day period. However, Iran has denied that an agreement is imminent, and small-scale armed clashes with the US are still occurring, making it difficult to ease tensions.
Axios reported on Saturday (local time), citing two US government officials and others, that US and Iranian negotiating teams had agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend a ceasefire for 60 days. According to Britain's Guardian, Trump shared a draft with allies including Israel that day. However, Trump reportedly delayed his approval, saying he "needs a few more days to think about it."
The agreement includes a clause guaranteeing unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported. This means an end not only to vessel seizures but also to the imposition of tolls. In return, the US plans to activate some sanctions exemptions to allow Iran to export crude oil. Also under discussion are plans for a $300 billion (about 450 trillion won) investment fund for Iran's reconstruction or a fund to support Middle Eastern countries. A general pledge by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons is also included. However, specific measures for handling highly enriched uranium will be discussed during the 60-day negotiation period.
Pakistan, the mediating country in the negotiations, will send Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to Washington, DC, on Sunday to finalize the agreement with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
While expectations for a deal have grown, Iran has not abandoned its hardline stance. Iran's state-run Tasnim news agency on Saturday cited a source familiar with the negotiations as saying, "Claims by some Western parties that the MOU text has been finalized are not true." Iranian forces reportedly fired warning shots that day at a US vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization.
