Mediators are reportedly close to securing an agreement to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran by 60 days while establishing a framework for broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to a report.
The proposed deal would include the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, discussions over diluting or transferring Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, and steps by Washington to ease restrictions on Iranian ports alongside potential sanctions relief, reports the Financial Times citing insiders.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Tehran is in the final stages of drafting a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict with the United States. Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Baqaei said the framework would initially take the form of a memorandum of understanding containing 14 clauses.
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“Within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed and a final agreement will ultimately be concluded,” Baqaei said. “We are currently in the process of finalizing these memoranda of understanding.”
He also noted that there is “a trend toward rapprochement” between Tehran and Washington, while cautioning that major disagreements remain unresolved.
After Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials, the country's military said negotiations over the previous 24 hours have resulted in “encouraging” progress toward a final understanding.
Despite reports linking the ceasefire talks to Iran’s nuclear activities, Baqaei stressed that the nuclear issue is not part of the initial framework currently being drafted. “At this stage, we will not discuss the details of the nuclear issue,” he told state television. “We have decided to prioritize an urgent issue for all of us: ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.”
According to Baqaei, Iran’s nuclear file will be addressed separately in future negotiations after a broader ceasefire agreement is reached.