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Ceasefire deal remains elusive as key issues persist
US Vice-President JD Vance stated on Friday that several critical points still need resolution before Washington and Tehran can finalize an agreement to extend the ceasefire and address Iran's nuclear program. Speaking to reporters, Vance declined to predict whether or when a deal might be signed, emphasizing ongoing negotiations over language and enrichment terms.
Framework agreed but details disputed
Earlier this week, US officials indicated that both sides had reached a preliminary framework, contingent on approval from President Donald Trump and Iran's leadership. The proposed agreement reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the initiation of talks on Iran's nuclear future. However, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency denied that any deal had been confirmed.
Under the reported terms, Iran would have 30 days to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route handling one-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas and oil. The US would lift its naval blockade and grant sanction waivers to allow Iran to resume oil exports. Axios, which first reported the tentative agreement, noted that Trump had been briefed but had not yet approved the proposal.
Conflicting claims and fragile trust
Tensions flared on Thursday as both nations accused each other of violating the existing ceasefire. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted a US base following overnight American strikes in southern Iran. Iranian state media also reported the downing of a US aircraft, a claim dismissed by US Central Command, which stated all assets were accounted for.
Further complicating matters, Iranian state media outlined a 14-point draft memorandum on Wednesday, including demands for the withdrawal of US forces near Iran and joint control of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman. The White House dismissed the document as a "complete fabrication."
"We're not there yet, but we're very close and we're going to keep on working at it,"
JD Vance, US Vice-President
Nuclear program and enrichment at the core
The US has long insisted that Iran halt production of highly enriched uranium and dismantle its existing stockpile, which could potentially be used for nuclear weapons. Vance expressed cautious optimism, stating that Washington believed Iran was negotiating in "good faith." However, the technical complexities of addressing Iran's nuclear program remain a significant obstacle.
Trump has suggested options for handling Iran's uranium stockpile, including dilution in a third country or on-site. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, leading a White House briefing on Thursday, avoided confirming any agreement, stressing that the final decision rests with the president. When asked about potential reconstruction aid for Iran, Bessent replied, "We've got to get to the deal before we get to the other side."
Pressure mounts as negotiations drag on
Trump faces growing domestic and international pressure to secure a lasting resolution. Gulf allies, Democratic lawmakers, and some Republicans in Congress have all urged an end to the conflict. Despite repeated assertions from Trump that progress is being made, no substantive breakthrough has materialized since the ceasefire began on 8 April.
With both sides issuing contradictory statements and few concrete details emerging, the path to a final agreement remains uncertain. Officials have warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to a resumption of hostilities, with "option B"-a return to military operations-still on the table.
