U.S. and Iran Near Agreement on 60-Day Ceasefire and Hormuz Strait Access

The possibility of a renewed ceasefire in the Middle East has increased as the United States and Iran edge closer to an agreement.

According to U.S. online media Axios and Yonhap News, the two nations are nearing a deal that includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls.

Axios reported, citing a draft agreement obtained from U.S. government officials, that both sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will be valid for 60 days and can be extended by mutual consent.

This report follows a visit by a Pakistani mediation team to Tehran for high-level talks and a series of calls made by President Donald Trump with the mediating country, announcing that a peace agreement with Iran is imminent.

Iran's Foreign Ministry is also working to finalize the MOU, proposing a three-step plan for an official end to hostilities and resolution of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media.

The draft MOU reported by Axios states that during the 60-day ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz will be open without tolls, and Iran has agreed to remove mines to ensure freedom of navigation. In return, the U.S. will lift sanctions to allow Iran to sell oil freely.

The draft also includes a commitment from Iran not to engage in nuclear weapons development and to participate in negotiations to halt uranium enrichment and dispose of high-enriched uranium.

Iran has verbally communicated its position to the U.S. through the mediating country regarding how far it is willing to concede on issues such as halting uranium enrichment and relinquishing nuclear materials.

The draft also indicates that U.S. troops stationed near Iran will remain in place during the 60-day ceasefire and will only withdraw once a final agreement is reached.