US and Iran near 60-day ceasefire extension

Financial Times reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, that the United States and Iran are close to reaching an agreement to extend the ceasefire for 60 days.

The paper said the two sides are putting together a framework to discuss Tehran’s nuclear programme. The arrangements could include a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the destruction or handover of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

In return, Washington could ease its blockade on Iranian ports, relax sanctions, and gradually work to unfreeze Iranian assets abroad.

Ceasefire talks and nuclear terms

The report said the talks are focused on the nuclear programme and on measures that may be included in any deal. It also said the possible steps under discussion cover both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

Separately, on 28 February, the United States and Israel began carrying out strikes on targets inside Iranian territory, which, according to reports, left more than 3,000 people dead.

From April truce to Islamabad talks

On 8 April, Washington and Tehran announced that they had reached a ceasefire. That was followed by talks in Islamabad that did not produce tangible results, while the United States continued to tighten pressure on Iran, including by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports.