U.S. and Iran Reach Framework for 60-Day Ceasefire Extension

U.S. and Iranian negotiators have agreed on a framework for a 60-day ceasefire extension in the Middle East conflict, according to U.S. sources. The provisional agreement also calls for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Officials said the president wants additional time to review the terms.

The framework was reached days after the most serious exchange of fire since the April ceasefire. U.S. strikes hit the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. Iran responded by targeting what state media described as the U.S. airbase responsible for the attack.

Kuwait, which hosts U.S. troops, reported that its air defenses intercepted incoming missiles and drones. ” Iranian forces also fired on four ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without authorization.

Iran has maintained a blockade of the waterway since the war began on February 28. U.S. forces said they intercepted five attack drones in the area and prevented the launch of a sixth. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States would “aggressively target” Oman if it helped impose such a system.

Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed

Hezbollah has continued in Lebanon despite a separate ceasefire. Israel conducted a strike south of Beirut on Thursday. Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people, including three children and a soldier.

The overall death toll in Lebanon since the start of the war stands at 3,269. >"This is an agreement to get everybody to the table.