U.S., Iran reach tentative ceasefire extension deal, nuclear talks to resume

The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement to extend their fragile ceasefire for another 60 days and begin a new round of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to a report published by the Associated Press on Thursday. The report, citing a U.S. official familiar with the discussions, said negotiators from both countries agreed in principle to prolong the truce that ended three months of direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The agreement has not yet been publicly confirmed by Iran. U.S. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that a preliminary understanding had been reached but said it remained unclear whether Donald Trump would formally approve the arrangement. Vance told reporters that negotiators were still working through several unresolved technical and legal issues, including disagreements over language related to Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. According to the Associated Press report, one of the central elements of the proposed agreement involves the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas passes. Under the draft understanding, Iran would not impose transit fees on commercial shipping through the waterway and would be required to remove naval mines placed in the area during the conflict within 30 days. In return, the United States would gradually ease naval restrictions around Iranian ports and partially reduce sanctions, allowing Tehran to increase oil exports. The report said the future of Iran’s uranium stockpile remains one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran currently possesses more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, a level close to weapons-grade material. Vance said negotiators were attempting to establish a broader framework for handling Iran’s enriched uranium reserves, while more detailed discussions would continue during the proposed ceasefire period. Regional tensions, however, continue to complicate diplomatic efforts. Kuwait announced earlier this week that its air defence systems intercepted several incoming missiles and drones, while Iran claimed it had targeted a U.S. military installation in a Gulf country in retaliation for recent strikes, though Tehran did not identify the location. The Associated Press also reported that Iran has insisted any long-term agreement should include an end to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli air strikes on southern Beirut and the city of Tyre reportedly killed at least 14 people in recent days, further heightening tensions across the region. The latest diplomatic efforts come after months of escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran, including attacks on shipping lanes, missile exchanges and growing fears of a wider regional conflict involving Gulf states and Israel. The United States and Iran have held several indirect rounds of negotiations in recent years over Tehran’s nuclear activities and regional security issues, but previous efforts repeatedly stalled amid disagreements over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment limits and military escalation in the Middle East. The post U.S., Iran reach tentative ceasefire extension deal, nuclear talks to resume appeared first on Khaama Press.