Iran and U.S. Discuss 60-Day Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz Reopening Amid Ongoing Tensions

U.S. and Iranian negotiators are working on a memorandum of understanding that would establish a 60-day cease-fire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and lift the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. The draft framework also calls for both parties to begin detailed negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and the possible easing of U.S. sanctions during that period.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told state media that a signing on Sunday was not planned, but a deal could be reached in the coming days. A senior Trump administration official described the proposed arrangement as a preliminary step toward more complex talks on sanctions relief and nuclear issues.

The talks occur against a backdrop of continued regional hostilities. U.S. forces reported intercepting and destroying Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and fighting persisted on the Lebanon-Israel front, where Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been engaged for over 100 days.

Israeli defense minister Israel Katz said that, even if an agreement were reached, Israel would retain forces in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iranian officials have called for any broader peace settlement to include a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.

If finalized, the memorandum would be signed in Geneva, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance slated to lead the American delegation and Iranian parliament speaker Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf heading the Iranian side. The agreement would reaffirm Iran's commitment not to develop a nuclear weapon, while leaving questions about its existing enriched uranium stockpile and long-term nuclear program for later negotiations.