Middle East States Advance U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Framework

A memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran outlines a 60-day cessation of hostilities and direct talks on Iran's nuclear program and enriched uranium. The document, brokered by Pakistan, extends an April 8 ceasefire and is still under negotiation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated over the weekend that an agreement could be announced by President Donald Trump, first late Sunday and then Monday.

New U.S.

strikes reported Despite the reported progress, the U.S. launched new strikes Tuesday on missile sites and boats in southern Iran, according to U.S. Central Command. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said a deal is not imminent. The Fars News Agency reported that release of frozen Iranian funds remains an unresolved issue, quoting an Iranian negotiating source who said no agreement is possible until the funds are deposited.

Regional mediation efforts Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and Jordan have coordinated to advance the memorandum. President Trump added a condition Monday that these states must also join the Abraham Accords for Washington to finalize the deal.

Qatar hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf on Monday. The same day, President Trump posted on social media that the Gulf countries and Pakistan must normalize ties with Israel. Gulf states have absorbed thousands of Iranian missiles and drones since the conflict began February 28.

Officials from several of these countries said they are prepared to respond militarily if Iran targets them again.