US, Iran reach preliminary 60-day ceasefire understanding as Trump weighs approval

Senior American officials said the broad outlines were settled Tuesday pending final authorization from political leadership.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US and Iranian representatives reached preliminary understandings on a proposed 60-day memorandum aimed at extending the ceasefire and launching negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, according to a Thursday Axios report citing two senior American officials. However, President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval of the arrangement.

Trump publicly signaled caution about the emerging framework during remarks Wednesday at the White House, saying his administration remained dissatisfied with the current terms. “We are not happy” with the agreement reached so far, he said during a Cabinet meeting. “Either it happens, or we’ll just have to finish the job.”

The proposal under discussion would temporarily extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping traffic, and begin a broader negotiating track focused on Iran’s nuclear activities, according to Axios.

Senior American officials said the broad outlines were settled Tuesday, pending final authorization from political leadership.

American officials told Axios that Iranian representatives later informed mediators they had obtained approval from Tehran and were prepared to proceed.

Trump was then briefed on the proposed arrangement and requested additional time before making a final decision. “The president informed the mediators that he wants a few days to consider it,” one American official said.

The memorandum would reportedly require Iran to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days and would gradually ease US restrictions tied to Iranian ports as maritime commerce resumes.

The arrangement would also include an Iranian declaration that it would not pursue nuclear weapons, alongside future discussions regarding sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets.

According to the report, Tehran requested access to $24 billion in frozen funds as part of the initial agreement, with half the amount to be transferred immediately after signing.

Qatar denied reports this week alleging it would transfer the first $12 billion to Iran on behalf of the United States.

“There will be no secret clauses about money. The more they give, the more they will receive,” one American official told Axios.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday reiterated Israeli concerns about Iran’s nuclear program during remarks at Midreshet Ein Prat. “Now we still need to finish the job,” Netanyahu said.