WASHINGTON: The United States and Iran have moved closer to extending their ceasefire and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, although a final agreement has yet to be approved, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
According to the report, both sides reached a preliminary understanding on Thursday to extend the existing truce for another 60 days and ease restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz a key global energy corridor handling a significant share of oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
If formally approved by leadership in Washington and Tehran, the proposed arrangement could mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began on February 28, offering a possible pathway toward stabilising energy markets and reducing regional tensions.
However, uncertainty remains over the deal. U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the agreement, while Iranian state-linked media reported that negotiations are still ongoing and not finalised.
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, said the text of the agreement has neither been completed nor officially confirmed.
Read More: Trump rejects Tehran’s ceasefire terms amid ongoing tensions
“We’re not there yet, but we’re very close and we’re going to keep working at it,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Washington, expressing cautious optimism but stopping short of confirming a breakthrough.
The proposed framework reportedly includes unrestricted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside the easing of certain U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Washington is also expected to lift restrictions on Iranian port operations while wider negotiations continue on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. News of potential progress in talks contributed to a decline in oil prices as markets reacted to hopes of improved supply stability.
Despite diplomatic developments, military tensions continued.
U.S. Central Command said its forces intercepted Iranian attack drones and struck a control facility in Bandar Abbas allegedly preparing further launches. Kuwaiti authorities also reported intercepting a ballistic missile fired toward the Gulf state, which hosts a major U.S. military base.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed a U.S. aircraft had been shot down near Bushehr, though American officials rejected the report, saying no aircraft had been hit.
A U.S. official described the latest strikes as defensive in nature and aimed at preserving the ceasefire rather than escalating the conflict.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of a “more decisive response” to any further attacks, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce as both sides attempt to move toward a broader agreement.
