Trump Holds the Key as US and Iran Edge Toward 60-Day Ceasefire Memorandum, but Final Approval Remains Elusive

A deal on the table, awaiting a signature

After weeks of conflicting signals, US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would extend the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East by 60 days. The White House confirmed the framework, first reported by Axios, but stressed that nothing will move forward without President Donald Trump's explicit approval. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the president "is not going to sign a bad deal for the American people," while Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the two sides are "very close" but still negotiating critical wording, particularly around uranium enrichment.

We haven't gotten there yet, but we are very close.

The Strait of Hormuz and sanctions relief

Central to the proposed MoU is the full restoration of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade. The draft requires Iran to remove all naval mines from the strait within 30 days and commits Tehran not to impose tolls or harass shipping. In exchange, the United States would gradually lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports and ease sanctions, unlocking frozen Iranian assets. Reports differ on the amount: some sources cite up to $12 billion, while others reference a $24 billion demand from Tehran.

The nuclear wildcard

During the 60-day extension, negotiations would begin on Iran's nuclear program — the most contentious outstanding issue. Iran reportedly holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, just short of the 90% weapons-grade threshold. Washington demands a halt to high-level enrichment and the removal or neutralization of existing stockpiles. The MoU includes an Iranian pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons, but hardliners in Tehran insist the program is the country's "right" and reject any concessions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear arms.

Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.

Pressure from all sides

Trump is facing intense pressure from Republican figures and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject the deal. Netanyahu has argued that Iran remains a nuclear threat and that "we must finish the job." A senior Arab official involved in mediation told NBC News that the deal was essentially closed in Doha three days ago, but the subsequent waiting period for final approvals has been "frustrating." On the Iranian side, the Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, denied the text has been finalized, stating that Tehran has not yet informed the Pakistani mediator that the document is complete.

We have dealt them very strong blows and we have never been stronger. Yet we still face the traumatic threat of Iran.

What happens next

Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is expected to travel to Washington to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as diplomatic efforts accelerate. China is pushing for any final agreement to be endorsed by the UN Security Council. The MoU also envisions a mechanism to facilitate the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid to Iran. With both Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei yet to grant approval, the coming days will determine whether the region steps back from the brink or the four-month-old conflict deepens.