Will Trump Again Derail the US-Iran Deal?

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON – The US and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend the ceasefire between the two nations for 60 days and begin negotiations to permanently end the conflict. If finalised, the agreement would mark a significant breakthrough after weeks of stalled diplomacy. US sources told Al Jazeera on Thursday that the framework still requires final approval from President Donald Trump. However, details of the tentative agreement remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether the 60-day extension serves as a negotiation deadline. The current ceasefire is already fragile, with sporadic clashes between the US and Iran in the Gulf threatening to undermine it. Both sides launched limited attacks early Thursday. Axios first reported the preliminary deal on Thursday morning, with the White House confirming the report to Al Jazeera. According to Axios, the deal would ensure ‘unrestricted’ shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and see the US lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Tehran has claimed sovereignty over the strategic waterway, stating it should be jointly managed by Iran and Oman as the strait passes through both nations’ waters. However, the US rejects any Iranian control, including a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also threatened sanctions against Oman – a close Washington ally – if it facilitated charging fees for ships passing through the strait. Bessent later declined to confirm the reported deal details, stating no agreement would be reached without meeting Trump’s red lines. “It is always a mistake to precede the president, so it all depends on the president’s decision,” Bessent told reporters, adding that Trump had clarified three conditions for Iran: reopening the Strait of Hormuz, surrendering enriched uranium stockpiles, and ending the nuclear programme.