WASHINGTON, May 29 U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative agreement to extend a fragile ceasefire in their ongoing conflict by 60 days and open a new round of talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a U.S. official familiar with the discussions.
Iran has not yet publicly confirmed the agreement. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday evening that talks had produced a preliminary understanding, though final approval from President Donald Trump remains uncertain.
“It’s hard to say exactly when or if the president’s going to sign,” Vance told reporters, adding that negotiators were still working through “a couple of language points.”
The emerging memorandum of understanding comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain fragile, with recent hostilities threatening to collapse the ceasefire. Just a day earlier, Kuwait intercepted missiles reportedly launched from Iran, according to U.S. Central Command.
Strait of Hormuz provisions included
According to a U.S. official, the draft agreement includes provisions preventing Iran from imposing tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and requiring Tehran to remove all naval mines from the strategic waterway within 30 days.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, has seen reduced traffic during the conflict, contributing to volatility in global oil markets. The closure or disruption of the waterway has raised concerns due to its role in transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
Iran has recently allowed limited commercial traffic through the strait but has also imposed charges on some vessels, according to reports. The United States has responded with additional sanctions targeting Iran’s maritime and oil sectors.
Under the proposed deal, the United States would gradually ease its naval restrictions near Iranian ports and relax certain sanctions, potentially allowing Iran to increase oil exports.
Despite the negotiations, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions this week against Iran’s military-linked oil operations, continuing Washington’s pressure campaign.
Nuclear dispute remains unresolved
Key sticking points remain over Iran’s nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses about 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels.
Vice President Vance said negotiators are still debating how to handle the nuclear material and enrichment limits, with general principles reportedly included in the draft but detailed terms left for future talks.
Iran has not agreed to surrender its stockpile, which analysts believe may be stored at heavily fortified nuclear facilities previously damaged in U.S. airstrikes.
The issue of where the uranium would be transferred, if at all, remains unresolved, with suggestions that third countries such as China or Russia could be involved. However, President Trump has expressed opposition to such arrangements.
Regional tensions continue
Even as diplomacy continues, regional violence has escalated. Israel carried out airstrikes in Lebanon, including in southern Beirut and Tyre, resulting in multiple casualties, according to local reports.
Kuwait also reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones, calling the incident a violation of the ceasefire. Iran claimed it had responded to earlier strikes by targeting a U.S. base in the Gulf region.
The U.S. military has continued limited defensive operations, including drone interceptions and strikes on Iranian ground-control facilities, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed retaliatory actions.
Despite ongoing exchanges, both sides have avoided returning to full-scale war, with officials on both sides acknowledging that the ceasefire remains fragile but still in place.
“Ceasefires are always a little messy,” Vance said, “but it’s very much holding.”
