US, Iran reach draft ceasefire extension framework pending Trump approval, Axios reports
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US and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend a ceasefire and begin negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, but US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two US officials.
According to the report, the proposed memorandum would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the outbreak of hostilities, though officials cautioned that a broader agreement addressing US demands over Iran’s nuclear activities would require further negotiations.
Axios reported that the terms of the deal were largely finalized by Tuesday, pending approval from senior leadership on both sides. US officials told the outlet that Iranian negotiators later indicated they had secured the necessary approvals and were prepared to sign the agreement, although Iran has not publicly confirmed this.
The report said US negotiators briefed Trump on the details of the proposed arrangement, but the president requested several days to consider it.
“The president relayed to the mediators that he wants a couple of days to think about it,” a US official told Axios.
According to Axios, the memorandum would guarantee “unrestricted” shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including a commitment by Iran to remove all mines from the waterway within 30 days. The agreement would also require an end to harassment of commercial shipping and include a phased lifting of the US naval blockade tied to the restoration of maritime traffic.
The report said the memorandum would include an Iranian commitment not to pursue a nuclear weapon and would launch negotiations over the fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and the future of its uranium enrichment activities.
In return, the United States would agree to discuss sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds as part of the negotiations, Axios reported. The framework would also include discussions on mechanisms to facilitate the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid to Iran.
The White House and Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Axios.
