The proposed deal would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began, though officials cautioned that a comprehensive agreement addressing Trump’s nuclear demands would still require further intensive negotiations
US and Iranian negotiators have reached agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and opening formal talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, but President Donald Trump has yet to give final approval, according to an Axios report, citing two US officials.
The proposed deal would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began, though officials cautioned that a comprehensive agreement addressing Trump’s nuclear demands would still require further intensive negotiations.
According to the report, citing US officials, most of the terms were agreed by Tuesday, although both sides were still awaiting approval from senior leadership.
US Officials said Iranian negotiators later returned claiming they had secured internal approval and were ready to sign, though Tehran has not confirmed this publicly.
US negotiators have since briefed Trump on the details of the proposed agreement.
“The president relayed to the mediators that he wants a couple of days to think about it,” Axios quoted an US official as saying.
The report noted that Trump and his advisers have previously believed multiple times that a deal was close during earlier phases of the conflict, but those efforts ultimately did not result in an agreement.
What’s in the draft MoU?
Under the draft MoU, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be declared “unrestricted,” with US officials saying this would mean no tolls or harassment, and a requirement for Iran to remove all mines from the waterway within 30 days.
The agreement would also reportedly lift the US naval blockade in proportion to the restoration of commercial shipping activity.
The MoU includes an Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons. It also sets out that the first phase of negotiations during the 60-day window would focus on the disposal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the future of its enrichment programme.
In return, the United States would engage in discussions on sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
The draft also includes provisions for a mechanism to facilitate the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid to Iran during the negotiation period.
With inputs from agencies
First Published:
May 28, 2026, 21:48 IST
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