U.S. and Iran Near Deal on 60-Day Ceasefire Extension

U.S. officials familiar with the negotiations. The draft agreement calls for both sides to sign a Memorandum of Understanding lasting 60 days that could be extended by mutual consent. During the period, the Strait of Hormuz would remain open without tolls, and Iran would clear mines it had placed in the waterway.

In exchange, the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue sanctions waivers allowing the sale of oil and other energy products. The agreement would also require Iran to commit never to pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate a suspension of its uranium enrichment program along with removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Iran has given verbal commitments through mediators about the scope of concessions it is willing to make on enrichment and nuclear material, two sources told Axios. The United States would also agree to negotiate over lifting sanctions and unfreezing Iranian funds during the 60-day window.

The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report. The information was first published by Axios on Saturday and later carried by Reuters and Al-Monitor. S. S.