Vice President JD Vance announced Thursday that the United States and Iran are "very close" to finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at extending the ceasefire by 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and initiating talks to limit Tehran's nuclear program.
Key Details of the Proposed Agreement
The MOU, if signed, would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began. However, a comprehensive agreement addressing President Trump's nuclear demands would require further negotiations. Talks have previously stalled multiple times despite earlier optimism.
Current Status of Negotiations
U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on the terms of the 60-day MOU, but Trump has yet to provide final approval. Sources indicate that Iranian mediators have signaled readiness to sign, though Tehran has not publicly commented. Iranian media, however, has downplayed the development, suggesting the deal remains incomplete.
"We're going back and forth on a couple of language points. We've made a lot of progress here," Vance said. "Hopefully, we'll continue to make progress and the president will be in a position where he can endorse the agreement, but obviously that's still TBD."
Trump's Deliberations
Trump is reportedly leaning toward approval but seeks additional time to ensure Iranian compliance and gauge domestic political reactions. He has consulted with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, a key mediator, to discuss the deal's implications.
Vance, who has been deeply involved in the negotiations, highlighted the progress made but cautioned that finalizing the agreement remains uncertain. "I can't guarantee that we're going to get there... but right now I feel pretty good about it," he added.