US and Iran agree on 60-day ceasefire, but there is catch - Axios
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Washington and Tehran have agreed on a draft 60-day memorandum of understanding, but US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval to the document, according to Axios.
Preliminary agreements between the parties
American and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a framework document that provides for a 60-day period to extend the ceasefire and launch talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
According to sources, the terms are generally agreed at this stage, but final decisions must be approved at the highest political level.
Key nuance - position of the US president
Despite statements about the parties’ readiness, the document does not take effect without the signature of Donald Trump.
US officials note that he has been briefed on the details of the deal but has taken several days to consider it and has not yet approved it.
At the same time, there have previously been cases where the parties considered an agreement close, but a final outcome was not achieved.
What the memorandum provides
According to the draft discussed by the parties, it envisions ensuring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without fees or restrictions, as well as a gradual lifting of the military blockade depending on the restoration of commercial shipping.
Iran, in turn, would have to abandon steps related to the development of nuclear weapons and discuss issues of highly enriched uranium and its processing. The possible easing of sanctions and unfreezing of part of Iranian funds is also expected to be considered separately.
Next steps
The actual launch of the agreements depends on political approval at the highest level. Without a final decision by the US president, the memorandum remains at the draft stage, while negotiations continue.
US President Donald Trump will hold a cabinet meeting at the Camp David country residence. The main focus of the meeting will be the situation around Iran and the discussion of possible steps to end the conflict and negotiations between the parties.
US President Donald Trump said Iran is interested in reaching an agreement with Washington, but the conditions proposed by Tehran still do not meet US expectations.
