The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MoU) to extend the ceasefire between the two countries for 60 days and ease shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, media reports said on Friday.
MoU includes extending the ceasefire for another 60 days and guaranteeing the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas exports passes, Reuters reported.
Reuters, quoting sources, said both sides would use the period to seek solutions to more complex issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
US Vice President JD Vance said the agreement had not yet been finalised, but the two sides were “very close” to reaching one.
However, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, quoting sources close to the negotiating team, reported that the text of the agreement had not yet been finalised or approved.
The developments come after several recent exchanges of attacks between the two countries.
The US military said it intercepted and destroyed several Iranian drones and targeted a drone control station in Bandar Abbas.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any repeat of such attacks would be met with a harsher response.
The conflict between Iran and the United States, which began in late February, has left thousands dead and had widespread effects on global energy markets.
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