The United States and Iran are moving toward extending their fragile ceasefire for another 60 days, with mediators working on an interim agreement that could create a framework for broader talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and regional security issues, according to a report in the Financial Times. People briefed on the talks told the newspaper that the proposed agreement includes a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, phased sanctions relief for Tehran, easing of the US blockade of Iranian ports and discussions on Iran’s reserves of highly enriched uranium. The talks are aimed at preventing a new round of military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.US Iran War News – Follow Live UpdatesIranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmael Baghai said on Saturday that Tehran was discussing a “memorandum of understanding” to formally end the war as a first step before broader talks in the next 30 to 60 days.“We are now finalizing this MoU,” Baghai said.Also read: Trump connection? How does Iran finance its war machine?The proposed extension comes amid fears that President Donald Trump could resume attacks on Iran if talks fail, potentially escalating a conflict that has already destabilized large parts of the Middle East.

What does the proposed agreement reportedly include?

According to diplomats involved in the talks, one of the central elements of the agreement is the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route through which a large share of global oil exports passes. Gulf countries are particularly concerned that a prolonged conflict could disrupt maritime trade and trigger fresh energy shocks around the world.The agreement will also reportedly include discussions on Iran’s stockpile of approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched near weapons-grade levels. Washington wants Tehran to either dilute the material or move it elsewhere as part of a broader nuclear understanding.In return, the United States is expected to ease sanctions on Iranian ports and gradually move toward providing sanctions relief and freeing up Iranian assets held abroad.

Why is conversation important?

Mediators believe a 60-day extension could help stabilize the situation enough for comprehensive diplomatic talks to take shape. Giving information about the talks, a diplomat said that progress is being made.“The agreement is going in the right direction. It is now up to the Americans for review,” the diplomat said.“The Iranians are probably willing to give up more on nuclear energy, but they won’t do so as long as the war continues – this deal helps bridge the gap,” the diplomat said.The talks gained momentum after Pakistani and Qatari negotiators held discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday and Friday. Pakistan later said the talks had led to “encouraging progress towards a final understanding” between the US and Iran.The mediation effort reportedly included regular contacts with US envoy Steve Witkoff, while the Iranian delegation was led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

What are the stuck points?

Despite signs of diplomatic movement, deep disagreements remain unresolved. One of the biggest obstacles is Trump’s demand that Iran completely abandon any path to a nuclear weapons capability.The US President has reportedly insisted that Iran hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and dismantle its three major nuclear facilities at the Natanz Nuclear Facility, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. The facilities were targeted during US strikes following Washington’s involvement in Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran last June.Enriched uranium is believed to be buried beneath the debris of those facilities, particularly in Isfahan.Meanwhile, Iranian leaders have continued to insist that they will not give up their sovereign rights.Ghalibaf told Pakistani negotiators that Tehran would not back down from its “rights”, especially when dealing with the United States, which “is not honest and cannot be trusted”.At the same time, he said Iran is willing to pursue diplomacy to secure its “legitimate rights and interests.”Baghai also cautioned that talks remain delicate.Baghai said, “On the one hand, we have the experience of contradictory statements and changing stances from the American side. They have put forward contradictory positions many times.” “We cannot be completely sure that this approach will not change.”“On the other hand, the idea [of the two sides] Coming closer, not in the sense that we have reached any agreement on such important issues, but in the sense that we can reach a mutually satisfactory solution based on certain parameters,” he said.

Why are Gulf countries worried?

Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are closely watching the talks as renewed conflict could destabilize the Gulf region and worsen the global energy crisis.Trump said earlier this week that the United States had postponed new strikes on Iran while “serious talks” continued. He said Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE had requested Washington to suspend military operations.Regional allies fear that if US-Israeli strikes resume, Iran could retaliate by targeting Gulf states and disrupting energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the region.