WEB DESK: The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to prolong their 60-day ceasefire, potentially giving both sides additional time to negotiate a comprehensive agreement under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to Turkish media, Washington and Tehran have agreed to extend the ceasefire through the framework of the Islamabad MoU. The development has not yet been independently confirmed by the US or Iranian governments.
The Islamabad MoU, signed in June 2026, established a framework for halting military operations and pursuing negotiations toward a permanent settlement. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has previously confirmed that technical-level discussions involving the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar followed the memorandum.
The reported agreement comes ahead of the August 17 deadline for concluding the initial negotiating period. The MoU reportedly allows the 60-day timeframe to be extended if both parties agree.
Under the reported framework, the United States would remove its naval blockade against Iran and withdraw forces from the vicinity of Iranian territory within a specified period following a final agreement.
Iran, meanwhile, would facilitate the safe movement of commercial vessels between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for 60 days. Tehran would also hold consultations with Oman and other Gulf states regarding the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.
The memorandum reportedly includes an ambitious economic package, with the US and regional partners expected to develop a plan involving at least $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development.
It also provides for the eventual lifting of US and other sanctions against Iran according to a mutually agreed timetable, subject to the terms of a final agreement.
On the nuclear issue, Iran would reaffirm that it will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons. The two sides would negotiate arrangements for Iran’s stockpiled enriched material, enrichment activities and other nuclear matters, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expected to play a supervisory role.
Until a final deal is reached, both sides would maintain the existing status quo. Iran would keep its nuclear programme at its current level, while Washington would refrain from introducing new sanctions or deploying additional military forces in the region.
The reported framework also calls for US waivers covering Iranian oil exports and related banking, insurance and transportation services. Frozen or restricted Iranian funds would likewise be made available under procedures to be agreed during negotiations.
An implementation mechanism would be established to monitor compliance with the memorandum and any subsequent final agreement.
The final settlement, according to the reported text, would be submitted for endorsement through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
While the reported extension could provide a fresh opportunity for diplomacy, its implementation and duration remain subject to official confirmation from Washington and Tehran.
