US and Iran reach tentative deal for 60-day truce extension, officials say

The United States and Iran reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire for 60 days and begin negotiations aimed at permanently ending the war. US officials said the framework still requires President Donald Trump’s final approval, and key details remain unclear, including whether the 60-day period is a negotiation deadline. The truce follows earlier Gulf skirmishes that threatened to unravel it, with limited attacks reported on Thursday. The reported terms include unrestricted vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran would also commit to not pursuing a nuclear weapon, though Tehran has made that pledge publicly before.

"In addition to an agreement about the waterway, the reported memorandum also requires that Iran commit to not pursuing a nuclear weapon. But Tehran has already made that commitment publicly numerous times. Earlier on Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also threatened Oman a close ally of Washington with sanctions if it facilitates the imposition of fees on ships going through the strait."

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