By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Washington and Tehran reportedly agreed on a preliminary memorandum of understanding on Thursday, May 29, 2026, involving US and Iranian officials in indirect talks mediated through Pakistan, aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire in the Gulf, reopening negotiations on a permanent peace deal, and easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing disputes over nuclear policy, sanctions, and regional conflicts in Lebanon.
Preliminary US–Iran Ceasefire Framework
US and Iranian officials agreed on a draft memorandum of understanding.
The deal aims to extend the ceasefire for 60 days.
It also opens a path toward permanent peace negotiations.
US sources said President Donald Trump must still approve the framework.
Officials stressed that no final agreement exists yet.
Axios first reported the preliminary deal earlier on Thursday.
Tasnim, an Iranian semi-official agency, rejected claims of a final agreement.
It said Iran will only confirm details through the Pakistani mediator.
Iran insisted that Western reports remain unreliable until official confirmation.
Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Passage Dispute
The draft MOU addresses tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
It proposes unrestricted vessel movement through the waterway.
The plan also includes lifting a US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran wants joint management of the strait with Oman.
The US rejected any Iranian control or toll system.
Washington insists on full freedom of navigation for global shipping.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Oman over shipping fee proposals.
He suggested sanctions could follow if fees are imposed.
Nuclear Program and Sanctions Standoff
The agreement reportedly requires Iran to avoid developing nuclear weapons.
Iran already publicly denies any intention to build nuclear arms.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei previously issued a religious ban on such weapons.
President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s position this week.
He stated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons.
He also said Iran rejects humiliating diplomatic terms.
Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium domestically.
The US demands full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.
Washington also seeks limits on Iran’s missile and drone systems.
Tehran rejected any talks on its defense capabilities.
Sanctions and Iran’s uranium stockpile remain unresolved issues.
Both sides agreed to address them in future negotiations.
Lebanon Conflict Increases Regional Pressure
Tensions escalated as fighting intensified in Lebanon.
Israel increased airstrikes and caused multiple casualties in recent weeks.
The attacks included forced displacement orders in southern cities.
Hezbollah responded with increased drone operations against Israeli forces.
Israel also struck Beirut again after a short pause.
The strike marked the second attack since an April ceasefire.
These developments added pressure on US–Iran negotiations.
They also complicated efforts to stabilize the wider region.
US Position and Trump’s Conditions
US officials emphasized that President Trump holds final decision power.
Scott Bessent warned against premature claims of a deal.
He said any agreement must meet presidential red lines.
The US outlined three key conditions for Iran.
Iran must reopen Hormuz shipping routes.
It must surrender highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
It must also end its nuclear program entirely.
Outlook for US–Iran Negotiations
The proposed 60-day extension may serve as a negotiation window.
However, officials did not confirm a strict deadline.
Talks remain fragile and depend on political approval.
Further discussions will address sanctions, nuclear enrichment, and security concerns.
Both sides continue to trade limited military actions in the Gulf.
Diplomatic progress remains uncertain despite the draft framework.
