U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and begin talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran did not immediately confirm the deal, and U.S. approval by President Donald Trump was still pending. The memorandum of understanding emerged as fighting risked renewed escalation, including missile activity intercepted by Kuwait. The agreement states Iran cannot impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and must remove all mines from the strait within 30 days. The U.S. would gradually lift its naval blockade and relax sanctions to allow Iran to sell more oil. Nuclear issues remain unresolved, including what happens to Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
"U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative agreement Thursday to extend the ceasefire in the 3-month-old war by 60 days and launch talks on Iran's nuclear program, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Iran did not immediately confirm any deal, and the official noted that President Donald Trump has yet to sign off on it."
"The memorandum makes clear that Iran will not be able to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran will have to remove all mines from the vital waterway within 30 days, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The U.S., meanwhile, would gradually lift its naval blockade on the strait, the conduit for about a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas before the war."
"The U.S. would also agree to relax sanctions, allowing Iran to sell more of its oil. Nuclear issue remains unresolved. Among the first issues to be negotiated during the 60-day ceasefire is what will happen to Iran's highly enriched uranium, the official said."
"Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has not publicly committed to giving up the stockpile, which is believed to be buried under a trio of nuclear sites that were badly damaged by U.S. airstrikes last year."
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