The United States and Iran have reportedly reached an agreement to extend their ceasefire and ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, although the deal is still awaiting final approval from US President Donald Trump.
According to Reuters, citing four sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed arrangement would extend the truce by another 60 days while negotiations continue on unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
If approved by both Washington and Tehran, the agreement would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict erupted on 28 February.
US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations were progressing but cautioned that no final agreement had yet been secured.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re very close and we’re going to keep on working at it,” Vance told reporters in Washington.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency, however, quoted a source close to Tehran’s negotiating team as saying the agreement had not yet been finalized or officially confirmed.
The proposed framework reportedly includes unrestricted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States would lift parts of its blockade on Iranian ports and ease some sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
The development triggered a decline in global oil prices amid hopes of stability returning to the strategic waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply.
The announcement came hours after fresh military exchanges between both countries highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire.
US Central Command said American forces intercepted five Iranian attack drones and destroyed a drone control station near Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch another attack drone.
Kuwait also confirmed intercepting a ballistic missile fired toward its territory, where a major US military base is located.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for retaliatory strikes targeting the US base linked to the Bandar Abbas operation, warning that any future attacks would provoke a “more decisive response.”
Despite the renewed hostilities, US officials insisted the military actions were defensive measures aimed at preserving the ceasefire.
The conflict, now in its third month, has disrupted global energy markets, intensified regional instability, and raised concerns over broader escalation across the Middle East.
Iran continues to demand the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and a reduction of US military presence in the region, while Washington insists Tehran must dismantle its nuclear programme.
