U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a preliminary agreement to extend the ceasefire for another 60 days, American sources report. It is expected that the additional time will allow the parties to continue negotiations on the future of Iran's nuclear program.
According to available information, the agreement also includes arrangements to lift restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, reports of a temporary deal have not yet been confirmed by official Tehran. Additionally, the agreement still needs to be approved by U.S. President Donald Trump, reports NOS.
According to Reuters, U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance told reporters that Washington and Tehran have not yet reached a final agreement but are close to doing so.
“I cannot guarantee that we will achieve a result, but I have a good feeling about it right now,” he said.
For its part, the Iranian agency Tasnim reported that a possible agreement between Iran and the U.S. has not yet been "finally agreed upon or confirmed."
Trump Needs a Few Days
The American publication Axios, which first reported on the preliminary agreement, writes that Trump has already been informed of the agreements reached but has requested a few days to study them and make a decision.
According to sources in the U.S. administration, the agreement provides for unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran may be given 30 days to clear mines from the waters, while the U.S. would lift restrictions on the passage of vessels and allow the export of Iranian oil again in return.
Conflicting Signals
Despite reports of a possible agreement, there were mutual attacks in the region again last night.
Iran claimed to have struck an American airbase in response to bombings of facilities in the south of the country. According to some reports, the target of the attack may have been a base in Kuwait. The American side claims that the Iranian missile was intercepted.
Although the new strikes have heightened tensions, experts note that the situation is still far from a full-scale resumption of war.
Conflicting reports only increase uncertainty. On one hand, the parties are reportedly close to a compromise, while on the other, they continue to exchange strikes. Notably, Iranian media had already reported on a draft agreement the day before, but at that time, the White House called these publications "completely fabricated."
