President Donald Trump has yet to approve a proposed framework aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Trump met senior advisers in the White House Situation Room on Friday to review a proposed agreement with Iran. The deal would reportedly extend the current ceasefire for 60 days and open negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the meeting ended without a final decision.
The US president said any agreement must ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. He also demanded the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted shipping and the removal of any mines from the strategic waterway.
US officials said Washington and Tehran had previously agreed on a draft framework, pending approval from both governments. However, Iranian officials denied that negotiations on the country’s nuclear programme were taking place and insisted their focus remains on ending the conflict.
The proposed deal comes after months of tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks that disrupted global energy markets. Both sides have also accused each other of violating the ceasefire in recent days.
With key disagreements still unresolved, uncertainty remains over whether the US and Iran can turn the ceasefire into a lasting agreement.