The United States and Iran appear to be closer than ever to a temporary agreement that could significantly reduce tensions in the Middle East. According to sources, the two sides have drafted a preliminary understanding that includes extending the ceasefire, restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and partially easing sanctions against Tehran. Although the basic terms have been discussed, the agreement has not yet received final political approval from either Washington or Iran.
The first official response from the Iranian side after revelations about the agreement came from Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who sent a clear message to the US, emphasizing that Tehran will not proceed with any action unless there is first a corresponding move from the American side. Sources cited by Reuters report that the memorandum of understanding under development includes a two-month extension of the ceasefire, lifting restrictions on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz, ending the American naval blockade of Iranian ports, and limited sanctions relief for Tehran. Despite progress in talks, negotiations remain open and several issues continue to divide the two sides.
A potential agreement is considered particularly critical for regional stabilization, as the recent crisis has caused serious disruptions in global energy markets. The biggest obstacle, however, remains Iran’s nuclear program, which is expected to be at the core of future negotiations.
USA & Iran: Ceasefire extension and diplomatic time
Since the ceasefire implementation in early April, the US and Iran continue to clash diplomatically on a series of critical issues. On the table are Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, its influence in the Lebanon war, as well as Iran’s demands for lifting economic sanctions and unfreezing frozen assets.
Four sources with knowledge of the contacts reported that the two countries have agreed on a temporary framework that will maintain the ceasefire for another 60 days, thus giving negotiators more time to seek a more permanent solution.
Although there were statements at times that heralded an immediate agreement, no final conclusion has been reached so far. The role of Israel is also considered decisive, which together with the United States participated in the air campaign against Iran on February 28. However, it is not clear what its involvement is in the current talks.
According to the same information, Donald Trump has not yet approved the final draft of the agreement. For his part, Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the two sides are “very close,” but no final agreement has yet been reached.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, appeared particularly tough in his statements, making it clear that Tehran does not trust promises and political assurances. As he noted, Iran does not intend to make the first move, insisting that real concessions are imposed through strength and not through dialogue. Indeed, he emphasized that the balance after any agreement will depend on which side is militarily better prepared.
Strait of Hormuz: Tehran’s strong card
The Strait of Hormuz has particular importance in the negotiations, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas transit passes. The disruption of navigation in the region resulted in skyrocketing energy prices, making the restoration of the passage a key priority for Washington.
For Iran, however, control of the Strait constitutes one of its most important negotiating weapons. At the same time, many commercial convoys continue to remain trapped in the Persian Gulf, while Tehran claims that minefields have been placed that are difficult to detect and neutralize.
At the same time, Iran is demanding an end to the American naval blockade, which has seriously affected the country’s exports and public revenues.
Iran & Oman contacts on Strait management
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that he had a telephone conversation with his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi, regarding developments in the Strait of Hormuz and prospects for their management.
In a post on platform X, the Iranian Foreign Minister characterized the talks as “productive,” noting that the two sides exchanged views on the future of the strategic passage, based on international law and the sovereign obligations of states.
At the same time, Tehran expressed its support for Oman against “any threat,” days after Donald Trump’s statements that the United States could “level” Oman if the country does not align with American positions on the Strait of Hormuz.
The nuclear program remains the biggest obstacle
The most difficult and sensitive issue in the negotiations continues to be Iran’s nuclear program.
The United States maintains that Tehran seeks to develop nuclear weapons, an accusation that Iran rejects, insisting that its program serves exclusively peaceful purposes. At the center is uranium enrichment, with Iranian sources leaving open the possibility of transferring part of the highly enriched uranium stocks to a friendly country, where the purity level would be reduced before returning to Tehran.
Despite discussions, significant issues remain unanswered, such as the duration of program suspension, the future of nuclear facilities, uranium stocks, advanced centrifuge machines, research programs, and the framework for international inspections.
The Lebanon dimension
Tehran insists that any comprehensive agreement must include developments in Lebanon, especially regarding the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Although the two sides recently agreed to a ceasefire, they continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement.
At the same time, Israel is intensifying military operations in southern Lebanon and appears opposed to any agreement between Washington and Tehran that could limit its freedom of movement in the region.
Netanyahu: Israeli armed forces crossed the Litani River
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated – meanwhile – that Israeli armed forces crossed the Litani River in southern Lebanon, approximately 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border, and are advancing in strategically important sectors.
Speaking during a visit to soldiers of the 36th Division on Israel’s northern border, Netanyahu said that the Israeli Air Force is also operating “in Beirut, in the Bekaa Valley (east), across the entire Lebanese front” and “we are hitting Hezbollah hard.”
His statements come two days after the army declared much of southern Lebanon a “battle zone” despite the ceasefire that is theoretically in effect.
