US-Iran Negotiators: Both Sides Close to Reaching 60-Day Truce Extension Agreement

According to the Financial Times, citing informed diplomatic sources, the US and Iran are close to reaching an agreement to extend the current ceasefire by 60 days and lay the groundwork for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but Iranian officials warn that there are still significant differences in the parties' positions.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmael Baghaei, said on Saturday that Tehran is consulting on a "memorandum of understanding" as the first stage to end the war, followed by negotiations on broader agreement details within 30 to 60 days. "We are finalizing this memorandum of understanding," he said.

A diplomat informed of the negotiation progress stated: "The direction of the agreement seems to be correct and has been submitted for US consideration. Iran may be willing to make more concessions on nuclear energy, but will not take action while the war continues - this agreement can help bridge the divide."

Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Sanctions Relief Included in Discussions

The proposed agreement includes: the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, discussions on diluting or transferring Iran's highly enriched uranium reserves, and the US gradually lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, granting sanctions exemptions, and gradually unfreezing Tehran's overseas assets.

The above developments come after Pakistan and Qatari negotiation representatives held key talks with Iran on Thursday and Friday. The two mediation countries maintained close contact with the US envoy, Steve Witkoff, during their consultations with the Iranian delegation. The Iranian negotiation delegation was led by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Iran: US "Inconsistent Stance" and Uncertainty in Negotiations

Despite the optimistic signals from all sides, Baghaei still warned that the two sides are "both very far and very close" to the agreement. "On the one hand, we have experienced the contradictions in US rhetoric and changes in position multiple times, and cannot be sure that this will not happen again," he said. "On the other hand, the two sides' positions are getting closer - not that we have reached an agreement on major issues, but that we can find mutually satisfying solutions based on a range of parameters."

Ghalibaf stated during talks with Pakistan's chief negotiation representative, General Asim Munir, that Tehran will not backtrack on "rights" issues, especially when dealing with the "dishonest, untrustworthy" United States. According to Iranian media reports, Ghalibaf also said that Iran has rebuilt its military capabilities during the ceasefire period and will respond in a more "destructive" manner if the United States "foolishly" restarts the war.

The Core Disagreement: Disposal of Enriched Uranium and Dismantlement of Nuclear Facilities

One of the main obstacles to the negotiations is US President Donald Trump's insistence that Iran hand over about 440 kilograms of near-weapon-grade enriched uranium reserves and permanently abandon its nuclear weapon capabilities.

Trump also demands the dismantling of the main nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan - US troops have bombed the aforementioned facilities after the US joined Israel's 12-day war against Iran last June. According to the Financial Times, most of the highly enriched uranium is still buried beneath the ruins of Isfahan.

Behind the Ceasefire Extension Negotiations: Pressure from Gulf Allies and Intensified Energy Crisis

The urgency of the negotiation mediation stems from concerns that if the negotiations break down, Trump may resume strikes against Iran within days, further escalating the war that has spread to the entire Middle East. Trump said on Monday that the US has postponed the new round of strikes scheduled for the next day and stated that "serious negotiations" are ongoing with Tehran, and Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have asked him to suspend military operations.

US Gulf allies are concerned that if the US and Israel resume strikes, it will prompt Iran to retaliate against Gulf countries and further exacerbate the most severe global energy crisis in decades. The current ceasefire agreement took effect on April 8.