ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Washington and Tehran negotiators have reportedly agreed on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and opening talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a report by American website Axios on Thursday, though President Donald Trump has yet to give final approval.
Citing two US officials and "a regional source involved in the mediation efforts," Axios reported that "the MOU will include an Iranian commitment not to pursue a nuclear weapon," adding that "the first issues to be negotiated during the 60-day window will be how to dispose of Iran's highly enriched uranium and how to address Iranian enrichment."
The report comes amid intensified talks between Tehran and Washington - mediated by Pakistan and other regional countries - aimed at extending the ceasefire reached in early April.
Despite the ceasefire, Tehran has continued restricting movement through the Strait of Hormuz — which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments — while reportedly imposing tolls on commercial vessels passing through it.
The conflict erupted in late February when the US and Israel launched a large-scale aerial campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear-related sites. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting alleged US assets and military installations across the region, as well as strikes against Israel.
According to the report, terms were largely agreed earlier in the week, but both sides awaited approval from senior leadership, while Trump reportedly told mediators he “wants a couple of days to think about it.”
The draft MOU includes provisions on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that shipping will be “unrestricted,” with Iran required to remove mines within 30 days and no tolls or harassment permitted. It also envisions a phased lifting of the US naval blockade tied to commercial shipping restoration, alongside Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons and discussions on sanctions relief and humanitarian aid mechanisms.
Trump said on Wednesday that he was not yet “satisfied” with Iran’s proposals, warning that while Tehran “want very much to make a deal,” the US was still evaluating options and could “finish the job” if talks fail.
Trump also said any framework agreement would require the waterway to reopen immediately and remain free from control by any single country, stressing that the US would “watch over it” as part of ongoing negotiations over regional maritime security and energy flows issues.