U.S. officials say a proposed framework would lengthen the April ceasefire with Iran and open a 60‑day window for nuclear negotiations,but final sign‑off from former President Donald Trump and Iran’s senior leadership remains pending. At the same time, missile and drone exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, threatening the fragile maritime corridor.

30‑Day Mine‑Removal Deadline Raises Stakes for Gulf Shipping

The draft agreement obliges Tehran to clear all naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, a move designed to restore unrestricted commercial traffic. If Iran comlies, the United States would begin a phased lift of its naval blockade on Iranian ports,contingent on the resumption of normal shipping flows. According to U.S. officials cited in the report, the timeline is intended to signal a tangible de‑escalation while keeping pressure on Tehran to honor the ceasefire.

Trump’s “Couple of Days” Pause Delays Final Decision

A senior U.S. official quoted by Axios said former President Trump asked for “a couple of days to think about it” before rendering a final verdict on the framework . In a Cabinet meeting, Trump empasized that Iran “very much wants a deal” but warned that the administration was “not satisfied” with the current terms, hinting at a possible hardline shift if negotiations stall further.. This pause unedrscores how domestic political calculations are intersecting with high‑risk diplomacy.

Unresolved Dispute Over Iran’s Highly Enriched Uranium Stockpile

The core of the nuclear file remains the size of Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the parameters for any future enrichment. Diplomats note that both sides appear “close to a mutual understanding,” yet the exact quantity of uranium and the scope of long‑term enrichment capabilities are still contested. As the report notes, these issues will dominate the next phase of talks and could determine whether broader sanctions relief is ever granted.

Recent Strait of Hormuz Incidents Threaten Ceasefire Viability

In the past 48 hours, U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels, while a strike hit an Iranian ground‑control site preparing another launch. iran’s allies in Yemen launched missiles and drones that Kuwaiti forces intercepted, an act described by U.S. officials as an “egregious ceasefire violation.” Iran has accused the United States of breaching the ceasefire and warned of retaliation, adding a volatile layer to the diplomatic effort.

Who Must Sign Off? Trump and Ayatollah Khamenei Await Final Approval

Sources familiar with the negotiations say that final approvals are still needed from both former President Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before any agreement can be enacted. Without these sign‑offs, the proposed framework remains a tentative blueprint rather than an enforceable pact. The dual‑approval requirement highlights the delicate balance of power in both Washington and Tehran, where internal politics could derail the fragile progress.