ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US sources confirmed to Rudaw on Thursday that the United States and Iran have agreed to extend a ceasefire and move toward talks on Tehran’s nuclear program under a 60-day memorandum of understanding, though final approval from President Donald Trump is still pending.
The sources confirmed to Rudaw’s Diyar Kurda reports that US and Iranian negotiators have agreed to a to extend the ceasefire and begin talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, without commenting on President Donald Trump's final decision on approving the framework.
Earlier, the American website Axios, citing two US officials and a regional source involved in mediation efforts, reported that memorandum includes an Iranian commitment not to pursue a nuclear weapon.
It also states that the initial phase of negotiations during the 60-day window will focus on how to dispose of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and how to address its enrichment activities.
The report said the draft agreement was largely reached earlier this week, but both sides were awaiting approval from senior leadership, with Trump reportedly telling mediators he “wants a couple of days to think about it.”
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid intensified mediation efforts involving Pakistan and other regional countries aimed at extending a ceasefire reached in early April.
Despite the truce, tensions remain in the region. Iran has continued restricting movement in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, while also reportedly imposing tolls on commercial vessels.
The draft memorandum also reportedly includes provisions calling for “unrestricted” shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, removal of mines within 30 days, and a ban on tolls or harassment of vessels. It further envisions a phased easing of a US naval presence tied to restored commercial shipping, alongside discussions on sanctions relief and humanitarian mechanisms.
President Trump said on Wednesday he was not yet “satisfied” with Iran’s proposals, warning Washington is still evaluating options and could “finish the job” if diplomacy fails.
The US-Iran war erupted in late February when the US and Israel launched a large-scale aerial campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear-related sites. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting alleged US assets and military installations across the region, as well as strikes against Israel.