WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance said the United States and Iran are “very close” to reaching a new agreement that could significantly reduce tensions between the two countries and extend a fragile ceasefire that has held following weeks of military confrontation.
Speaking after negotiations involving U.S. and Iranian representatives, Vance said both sides have made substantial progress toward a memorandum of understanding that would extend the current ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and begin a new phase of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program. Despite the progress, Vance cautioned that a final agreement has not yet been reached and remains subject to approval by President Donald Trump.
According to reports from multiple outlets, the proposed framework would establish a 60-day ceasefire extension and restore unrestricted commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. The waterway carries a significant portion of global oil shipments, and disruptions in the region have contributed to volatility in international energy markets.
Vance acknowledged that negotiators continue to work through unresolved issues involving Iran’s nuclear activities. Among the major sticking points are the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, uranium enrichment levels, verification measures, and the precise wording of the draft agreement. He said negotiators were still debating language in the memorandum and emphasized that the administration is “not there yet,” despite the significant progress reported in recent days.
President Trump has indicated that he is reviewing the proposed framework and has convened discussions with senior advisers before making what he described as a final determination. Trump has repeatedly stated that any agreement must address concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ensure that Tehran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.
Reports indicate that the draft framework being discussed could include additional negotiations concerning sanctions relief, maritime security, and future nuclear inspections. However, both Washington and Tehran have signaled that significant differences remain. Iranian officials have publicly stated that no final agreement has yet been approved, while U.S. officials continue to describe the negotiations as promising but incomplete.
The talks represent the most significant diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran since the recent conflict began. Earlier rounds of negotiations ended without an agreement, and military exchanges between the two countries raised fears of a broader regional war. The current discussions, facilitated through international mediators, have reopened the possibility of a negotiated settlement rather than continued confrontation.
For now, administration officials remain cautiously optimistic. Vance said considerable progress has been made and described the two sides as being very close to a deal, but he also stressed that the negotiations remain unfinished and that final approval rests with President Trump. Whether the framework ultimately becomes a formal agreement may depend on how negotiators resolve the remaining disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues.
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By B. Wilder, Staff Reporter contributed to this report.
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