WASHINGTON: The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to extend their ceasefire and ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the deal has not yet been finalized, with U.S. President Donald Trump still required to give approval, while Iranian state media says no final confirmation has been made.
Under the proposed arrangement, the ceasefire would be extended for another 60 days, allowing free movement of commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. Negotiators are also expected to continue discussions on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Four sources familiar with the talks said the understanding, if approved by both Washington and Tehran, could mark the most significant step toward de-escalation since fighting began on February 28. The initial ceasefire had been in place since early April following weeks of escalating cross-border strikes.
Despite reports of progress, both sides remain cautious. Iranian officials have not officially confirmed the agreement, while Trump has yet to endorse it. Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoting a source close to the negotiating team, said the text is still under review and has not been finalized.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said discussions were “very close” but stopped short of confirming a breakthrough, adding that final approval was still uncertain.
The proposed deal would reportedly ensure uninterrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and could include partial easing of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports, alongside a reduction of restrictions on Iranian ports.
Following the reports, global oil prices declined amid expectations of improved stability in one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
Meanwhile, military tensions have continued. U.S. Central Command said it had downed multiple Iranian drones and targeted a ground control site in Bandar Abbas. Separate reports indicated a missile was intercepted by Kuwaiti forces near a U.S. base.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it had responded to U.S. actions, warning of stronger retaliation if attacks continue. Kuwait strongly condemned the escalation.
The renewed diplomatic push comes as regional violence continues to overlap with wider conflicts in the Middle East, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions.
Mediator Pakistan has also stepped into the diplomatic efforts, with reports that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, though the agenda has not been officially disclosed.
While both sides publicly express interest in ending the conflict, major differences remain over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns, leaving the final outcome uncertain.
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