US, Iran Near Agreement in Ceasefire Extension Talks

2026-05-23

US and British newspapers reported on the 23rd that the United States and Iran are moving closer to an agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days. They cited a mediator in the talks. The proposed deal would include the phased resumption of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz and highly enriched uranium in focus

According to people familiar with the matter, the agreement would also include a commitment to discuss the dilution or transfer of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, in addition to the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is expected to ease its maritime blockade on Iranian ports and gradually move to lift the freeze on assets Iran holds abroad.

Seeking limited deal to avoid renewed US strikes

The Wall Street Journal reported on the 22nd that Pakistan and other mediators are seeking a limited agreement to extend the ceasefire in order to avoid another US attack on Iran. If diplomacy fails to break the deadlock, the US military could launch strikes on Iran within days, it said.

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