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World
A senior US official revealed a 60-day ceasefire extension framework with Iran involving a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a $12 billion asset release.
A senior official from the administration of President Donald Trump disclosed that the United States and Iran have reached a framework memorandum of understanding extending the ceasefire for 60 days, aiming to achieve a final agreement that permanently ends the conflict.
According to the Washington Post, which cited the unnamed senior official, the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a key element of this framework. This process will include the removal of mines from the strait and its reopening, which is expected to alleviate the crisis's impact on global energy markets.
The official clarified that no agreement was signed with Iran on Sunday and that the extent of commitment to the current framework remains unclear. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable diplomat indicated that the latest proposal is currently awaiting Iranian approval.
Once the memorandum of understanding is signed, Iran will immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and will take measures to restore navigation levels to those before the war within 30 days.
The proposal also includes a joint declaration from Iran, the United States, and their allies to immediately cease military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
The senior official emphasized that the memorandum "binds" Iran to not possess nuclear weapons, including "abandoning their stockpile of highly enriched uranium," with both sides set to discuss the "mechanism" to achieve this over the next two months.
Phases and Details
Notably, an Iranian official told the Washington Post that the reopening of the strait will occur in phases. In the initial phase, the United States will release $12 billion of Iran's frozen assets, begin mine removal operations, and gradually lift the US blockade.
The Iranian official added that the memorandum does not constitute a nuclear agreement but merely a commitment to negotiate the nuclear issue later, with an announcement containing additional details expected on Monday.
The new framework guarantees a cessation of fighting in the region for both sides while preserving Israel's right to act against imminent threats.
A senior US official described the arrangement as a "trust but verify" principle on a broader scale, stressing that Iran "will not get anything" until it starts relinquishing highly enriched uranium.
The official explained that the current US sanctions will be gradually eased as the strait reopens, noting that the framework aims to reduce the hardship faced by American families at gas stations. The handling of frozen assets and sanctions depends on Iran's compliance with the proposal's terms.
President Donald Trump, via the Truth Social platform on Sunday evening, stated that the deal "has not been fully negotiated yet" and "no one has seen it or knows what it is," warning about "losers criticizing something they know nothing about."
Earlier, Trump wrote that "negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner," instructing his representatives "not to rush into a deal," emphasizing that "time is on our side" and that "both sides must be patient and ensure things are right. No room for mistakes."
