The U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a preliminary agreement on a memorandum of understanding that would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and initiate discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, President Donald Trump has yet to provide his endorsement, as confirmed by two U.S. officials and a regional source involved in the mediation efforts.
This memorandum signifies an initial step rather than a complete peace agreement. According to one U.S. official, “This is an agreement to get everybody to the table. We will work out the details in the negotiations.”
As of Tuesday, U.S. officials indicated that the major terms were largely finalized, but further approval from higher authorities was required. Iran has suggested that it has obtained the necessary permissions and is ready to proceed, but this has not been independently verified.
The U.S. negotiators updated Trump about the details, but he has decided to take some time to consider the proposal. “The president relayed to the mediators that he wants a couple of days to think about it,” stated a U.S. official.
These negotiations follow multiple previous near-agreements that ended in failure. Trump and his team have expressed optimism about reaching a deal several times, only for progress to halt once again.
According to U.S. officials, the memorandum would assert that maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz would remain “unrestricted,” meaning no tolls or harassment would be allowed. Iran would also be expected to remove all mines from the strait within a 30-day timeframe.
Simultaneously, the U.S. naval blockade is anticipated to be lifted, contingent on the resumption of commercial shipping.
The MOU is said to include a commitment from Iran to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons. It would also identify top negotiating priorities for the upcoming 60 days, such as the management of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and addressing the subject of Iranian enrichment.
🚨BREAKING: Axios is reporting the US and Iran are close to signing a draft 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend the ceasefire and framework a broader deal. The president has YET to sign off.
Key elements per Axios:
• Strait of Hormuz reopened for unrestricted… pic.twitter.com/zfV85S2uFD
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) May 28, 2026
The U.S. would reportedly engage in discussions concerning sanctions relief and unblocking Iranian funds as part of the talks. Furthermore, the memorandum would address mechanisms to facilitate the delivery of goods and humanitarian assistance to Iran.
Amid finalizing the MOU, two confrontations occurred in the Strait of Hormuz recently, as noted in reports.
One U.S. official remarked that this deal could open pathways for Iran to reform its economy. They noted, “There are people in their system that understand that it is an opportunity to go in a different direction. We will find out during the 60-day negotiations if that’s the case.”
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Officials have clarified that there would be no secret agreements related to sanctions relief or fund releases. “The more the Iranians are willing to give, the more they will get,” was the statement from one official.
While the Iranians have expressed verbal commitments concerning nuclear concessions, U.S. officials have stated that the true test lies in direct negotiations. They expressed a desire to facilitate this MOU to bring both sides together for serious discussions.
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The memorandum also emphasizes enhancing “regional peace,” with the Trump administration aiming to tackle Iran’s backing of regional proxies during the negotiations.
As discussions progress, U.S. officials mentioned that if evidence suggests Iran cannot fulfill commitments regarding nuclear issues, Trump will still have various options available, both economically and militarily. They indicated that the withdrawal of U.S. forces sent to the region would depend on the outcome of the final agreement.
Tehran has so far not confirmed acceptance of the MOU. Trump mentioned on Wednesday that he was not in a hurry to make a decision, as reported by Axios.
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