Washington, May 29, 2026 — U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the current ceasefire and restarting negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, according to reports from both sides.
The proposed agreement would extend the fragile ceasefire that began in April 2026 following a brief but intense period of direct conflict. Under the terms of the memorandum, Iran would remove naval mines and cease interference in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States would ease its naval blockade in the region, allowing unrestricted commercial shipping to resume.
A central component of the deal involves reopening formal talks on Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran is expected to provide commitments against pursuing nuclear weapons, address its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and accept limitations on uranium enrichment levels. In return, the framework opens the door for discussions on potential sanctions relief and other outstanding issues.
The agreement remains tentative and requires final approval. U.S. President Donald Trump is currently reviewing the text and is expected to make a decision within the next few days. On the Iranian side, the proposal awaits confirmation from top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid reported internal skepticism from some hardline factions.
This development comes after months of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which escalated into direct military exchanges in late 2025 and early 2026, including Israeli strikes and U.S. involvement. The April ceasefire, mediated in part by regional actors such as Pakistan and Gulf states, temporarily halted hostilities but left key issues unresolved, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which had significantly disrupted global oil shipments.
The reopening of the strategically vital waterway is seen as a major potential economic relief for global energy markets. Oil prices reacted positively to early reports of the agreement, reflecting optimism about restored shipping routes.
Officials close to the negotiations have described the 60-day window as a cooling-off period to build confidence and work toward a more comprehensive long-term deal. President Trump has previously emphasized that any final agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensure the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
As of now, the situation remains fluid. Implementation of the memorandum will depend on approvals from both Washington and Tehran, as well as verifiable actions on the ground in the coming weeks. Further updates are expected once President Trump completes his review.
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