US-Iran Ceasefire Extension Framework: Negotiations and Sticking Points

US and Iranian negotiators agreed on a tentative framework to extend their ceasefire by 60 days, according to reports from outlets across the political spectrum. The memorandum of understanding would allow diplomatic teams from both countries to begin nuclear negotiations during the extension window. However, the framework required approval from both President Trump and Iranian leadership before taking effect, and as of late May 2026, no final agreement had been signed.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US and Iran were "very close" to a deal but still needed to work out "several sticking points," including "the question of enrichment." Vance added that negotiators were "going back and forth on a couple of language points." Trump met with senior advisers for approximately two hours in the White House Situation Room on Friday but concluded the meeting without making a decision on the Iran deal.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that exchanges of messages were continuing but no final agreement had been reached. Iran's Tasnim news agency characterized Trump's announcement as "in line with his usual pattern of making unilateral and egotistical statements." US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to confirm that an agreement had been reached, saying "it's always a mistake to get out ahead of the president" and that "it is all going to be the president's decision."

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar served as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. His meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington ended without any public comment on the negotiations.

Center and center-left outlets reported that the tentative framework included several specific terms: unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz; Iran removing mines from the strait within 30 days; a proportional lifting of the US naval blockade; US sanctions waivers allowing Iran to sell oil; and Iran's commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, key elements of these reported terms became subject to direct contradictions between US and Iranian officials.

Trump publicly stated that any deal would require Iran to never have a nuclear weapon or bomb, the Strait of Hormuz to be immediately opened without tolls, all water mines to be terminated, and that he would lift the US naval blockade. Trump also claimed he could approve a deal on Friday.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, serving as Iran's top negotiator, wrote that Iran had "no trust in guarantees or words — only actions are the measure" and that "We seize concessions not through dialogue, but with missiles." Ghalibaf also stated Iran was ready for another round of fighting if talks failed.

Trump threatened to "blow up" Oman if it reached any deal with Iran that imposed charges for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The threat came amid broader tensions over the strait's governance and access terms.

Trump faced mounting domestic pressure to end the war, including from Gulf state allies, Democrats who opposed it, and some Republicans in Congress who raised concerns about the conflict's length. Meanwhile, Iran hawks including Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, Roger Wicker, and Mike Pompeo warned against any agreement.

The US characterized an Iran-reported unofficial draft 14-point memorandum of understanding — which included lifting Washington's naval blockade, US force withdrawal from the "vicinity of Iran," and Iran-Oman control of the Strait of Hormuz — as a "complete fabrication." Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that the final text had not been completed or approved. The White House flatly denied the Iranian state media-reported draft, while Iranian sources neither confirmed nor denied its authenticity, saying only that the text was not finalized.

Trump characterized the deal as requiring Iran to allow the US to "unearth and destroy highly enriched uranium from a secure nuclear site in Iran." Iranian officials — including parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and parliament commission chair Ebrahim Azizi — denied any plan to export or transfer enriched uranium. Azizi stated the Islamic Republic has "no intention of handing over or transferring these materials."

Trump characterized the deal as requiring the Strait of Hormuz to be opened without tolls. Iranian officials — including parliament commission chair Ebrahim Azizi and spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei — insisted Iran's "smart management" of the strait was permanent and that Iran would never relinquish control over it.

Both Iran and the US accused each other of violating the ceasefire during the negotiation period. The IRGC stated it targeted a US base in the region, while US Central Command reported strikes on a "ground control site" in Bandar Abbas. The US said it shot down five Iranian drones.

Iranian state media claimed Iran's forces downed a US aircraft near Bushehr. US Central Command denied the claim, stating "No US aircraft were shot down" and that "all US air assets are accounted for."