Axios: US, Iran near 60-day nuclear talks framework, Trump approval still pending

U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a preliminary agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and launching formal negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, Axios reports, citing two U.S. officials and a regional mediator. However, the deal has not yet been finalised, with President Donald Trump still considering whether to approve it, while Iran has also not confirmed its acceptance.

According to U.S. officials, the draft agreement was largely completed earlier this week, but both sides were awaiting approval from senior leadership. The officials said Iranian negotiators initially indicated they had received authorisation to sign, though Tehran has not publicly confirmed this claim.

“The president relayed to the mediators that he wants a couple of days to think about it,” one U.S. official said, adding that Washington views the MOU as a framework to bring both sides into direct negotiations rather than a final settlement.

If signed, the agreement would mark the most significant diplomatic development since the outbreak of the conflict, though officials stressed that a comprehensive nuclear deal would still require extended negotiations.

The proposed MOU reportedly includes provisions guaranteeing “unrestricted” shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including the removal of any tolls or harassment and the clearance of mines within 30 days. It would also provide for a phased easing of restrictions on U.S. naval activity, linked to the restoration of commercial traffic.

On sanctions, the framework reportedly envisions limited waivers allowing Iran to resume oil exports and discusses the potential release of frozen Iranian assets as part of broader negotiations. It also includes provisions for humanitarian aid and mechanisms to facilitate the delivery of goods into Iran.

In return, Iran would commit not to pursue nuclear weapons, while early negotiations would focus on the handling of highly enriched uranium and the future of Iran’s enrichment programme.

The document also references broader regional issues, including the possibility of reducing tensions involving Iran-backed groups and ending the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon — an issue reportedly discussed between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Despite progress, tensions persist. U.S. officials acknowledged that no final agreement is guaranteed, warning that if Iran fails to meet nuclear commitments during negotiations, “all options” — including economic pressure and military action — remain on the table.

The draft also states that the withdrawal of additional U.S. forces deployed to the region would depend on the outcome of a final agreement.

Even as talks advanced, two minor incidents involving U.S. and Iranian forces were reported in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 48 hours, underscoring continued volatility in the region.

Tehran has yet to confirm whether it accepts the proposed framework. Trump, meanwhile, said on May 27 he was “not in a rush” to decide.