US and Iran Tentatively Agree on 60-Day Ceasefire Extension Amid Ongoing Tensions

The United States and Iran have reportedly struck a tentative agreement to extend the ongoing ceasefire by an additional 60 days, creating an opportunity for further negotiations aiming to resolve the prolonged conflict. US officials familiar with the discussions disclosed this framework on Thursday, although the plan awaits approval from President Donald Trump before it can take effect. According to international news outlets, both US and Iranian negotiators have outlined the fundamental aspects of the proposed deal, which is also set to address Iran's nuclear program as part of a broader diplomatic effort. However, President Trump’s endorsement is crucial before the agreement can officially proceed. The emerging framework suggests that reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz may be part of the discussions, a vital waterway for global oil transport. While Iranian officials have refrained from confirming the existence of a finalized agreement, member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Fada Hossein Maleki, indicated that a significant number of Iran's proposals have been accepted. Nonetheless, he expressed concerns regarding the unpredictability of President Trump and the past inconsistencies in the US's commitments. The negotiations took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, as both nations exchanged fire just prior to the reported agreement, illustrating the fragile state of the current ceasefire. Earlier in the day, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei of Iran lambasted the US and Israel, accusing them of attempting to undermine the Islamic Republic and provoke divisions within the nation. Khamenei warned that the enemy's strategy aims to exploit military defeats by fostering internal discord. In a separate note, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating it had intercepted vessels that failed to comply with the warnings of the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). According to the IRGC, they facilitated the passage of 26 commercial and oil tankers in the last 24 hours, which adhered to the necessary procedures. Recent data from maritime analytics firm Lloyds List Intelligence showed an increase in non-Iranian ships transiting the Strait, with vessels flagged in Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, and Norway being reported. During a cabinet meeting, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent proposals from Tehran, making it clear that a deal had not yet been reached and was not being rushed. Trump stated, “Iran is very much intent; they want very much to make a deal. So far they haven't gotten there. We're not satisfied with it but we will be.” Iranian state media previously reported that a draft agreement with the US may involve lifting the naval blockade, restoring traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and withdrawing US forces from the Gulf region. However, the White House dismissed those claims as 'a complete fabrication.' The Strait of Hormuz has been heavily impacted since the war's outbreak on February 28, with global shipping largely disrupted in a waterway that typically accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and a substantial volume of non-oil goods. The blockade has consequently driven energy prices up and challenged global supply chains. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2