U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached an agreement on the text of a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire and start negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. President Donald Trump has not given final approval for the deal.
The terms were largely set by Tuesday. Both sides required approval from their senior leaders. U.S. officials said Iranian negotiators later indicated they had approvals and were ready to sign. Iran has not made any public confirmation.
Negotiators reach terms
The memorandum requires Iran to allow unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This includes no tolls and no harassment of vessels.
Iran must remove all mines from the strait within 30 days. The U.S. would lift its naval blockade in proportion to the restoration of commercial shipping.
Iran would commit not to pursue a nuclear weapon. The initial negotiations in the 60-day period would focus on disposal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and steps to address its enrichment program.
The U.S. side would discuss sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds. The text also covers a process for Iran to receive humanitarian aid and goods.
One U.S. official said, “This is an agreement to get everybody to the table. We will work out the details in the negotiations.”
U.S. officials described the approach as performance-based. Greater Iranian concessions would result in more U.S. benefits.
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They said the memorandum contains no side deals or secret provisions on sanctions relief. Iranian officials gave verbal commitments on nuclear issues during the talks. Direct negotiations would determine whether those commitments hold.
The memorandum also refers to promoting regional peace. U.S. officials expect this to include discussions on Iran’s support for regional proxies.
Clashes continue
Two skirmishes occurred between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz in the past 48 hours, even as the memorandum text was finalized. U.S. officials briefed Trump on the details. He did not approve it right away.
“The president relayed to the mediators that he wants a couple of days to think about it,” one U.S. official told Axios.
Also Read: U.S. and Iran Finally Agree
Trump said publicly on Wednesday that he is not in a rush. Previous efforts to reach agreements during the conflict stalled at similar points.
The memorandum states that U.S. forces sent to the region would remain until a final agreement is reached. If talks show Iran cannot meet nuclear requirements, Trump would consider all economic and military options.
Why this matters
The memorandum represents the most significant diplomatic effort since the war started on February 28th 2026. It creates a temporary framework to extend the ceasefire and address Iran’s nuclear program, shipping access, and economic issues.
Approval would open direct talks on core disputes. The Strait of Hormuz handles a major portion of global oil transport. Any continued restrictions there affect energy supplies worldwide.
Tehran has not confirmed its position. The situation stays uncertain until Trump decides and Iran responds.
