US and Iran reach provisional deal on 60-day ceasefire extension

Multiple US sources confirmed on 28 May that negotiators from the United States and Iran have reached a provisional agreement on the terms of a memorandum to extend a ceasefire for 60 days. The extension is designed to provide a window for consultations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, marking a significant diplomatic development in the ongoing regional tensions.

The agreement, described as tentative by officials, outlines a framework for halting hostilities while diplomatic channels remain open. However, the deal is not yet finalised and requires formal approval from the US President before it can be implemented. This procedural step underscores the political sensitivity of the negotiations and the executive branch’s role in finalising international security commitments.

Concurrent with these diplomatic efforts, US authorities stated that a recent military attack on an Iranian unmanned aircraft facility was conducted with the specific intent of maintaining the ceasefire. The justification provided by US officials suggests that the strike was a tactical measure to enforce the terms of the proposed extension rather than an escalation of hostilities.

The provisional nature of the memorandum highlights the fragility of the current arrangement. While the negotiators have aligned on the core terms of the 60-day pause, the requirement for presidential sign-off introduces a potential point of delay or modification. The scope and specific conditions of the nuclear consultations have not been detailed in the available reports.

As the diplomatic process moves forward, the international community is closely monitoring whether the US President will grant the necessary approval. The outcome of this decision will determine whether the ceasefire extension holds and if the proposed consultations on Iran’s nuclear activities can proceed without interruption.