US and Iran Near Deal to Extend Ceasefire by 60 Days

Mediators believe the United States and Iran are moving closer to an agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days, with a framework for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program to be included in the deal, according to people familiar with the talks, the Financial Times reported.

Under the proposed terms, the deal would include the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a commitment to negotiate the dilution or surrender of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Washington would in turn ease the blockade of Iran's ports and, in later stages, agree to a partial easing of sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmael Baghaei confirmed on Saturday that Tehran was negotiating a "memorandum of understanding" to end the conflict in the first phase, with the details of a broader deal to be agreed within 30 to 60 days.

"We are now finalizing this memorandum of understanding", he said.

The progress came after talks between Pakistani and Qatari negotiators and Iranian officials. The Pakistani military said the talks had produced "encouraging progress" toward a final agreement between the US and Iran.

(ft, luc)