The White House confirmed Thursday that the United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding that would extend the current ceasefire between the two nations and open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, according to multiple reports. President Trump must still sign off on the arrangement before it takes effect.
Axios first reported the framework Thursday morning, describing it as an extension of the existing ceasefire with provisions for continued nuclear negotiations. The agreement comes amid ongoing military tensions between the two countries, including a U.S. defensive strike Wednesday against Iranian targets.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism about extending negotiations without stronger guarantees. "We've heard promises from Tehran before," said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in a post on social media. "Any agreement must include immediate, unconditional access for international nuclear inspectors."
Conservative foreign policy analysts argued that opening the Strait of Hormuz represents a significant concession to Iran. "The Strait is the world's most critical chokepoint for oil shipments," noted the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in an analysis published Thursday. "Granting access without permanent security assurances could embolden Tehran."
The White House has not confirmed details about what enforcement mechanisms, if any, are included in the framework.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Foreign Relations Committee members from the Democratic side praised the diplomatic approach but urged caution about the framework's terms. "Any extension of ceasefire talks must include verifiable commitments on Iran's nuclear program," said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the committee's ranking member, in a statement to The Hill. "We cannot allow diplomatic progress to become a cover for continued uranium enrichment."
Progressive advocacy groups have urged the administration to prioritize diplomacy over military escalation. Win Without War released a statement saying the tentative framework "represents a fragile but necessary step toward de-escalation" and called on Congress to provide oversight of any final agreement.
Human rights organizations focused on Iran have emphasized that any nuclear talks must address concerns about the treatment of protesters and political prisoners inside Iran, according to statements from Amnesty International shared with reporters Thursday.
What the Numbers Show
The proposed memorandum would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, according to Axios, which first reported the agreement. The original ceasefire was announced earlier this month.
On Wednesday, the U.S. military shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones and struck a ground control station in Bandar Abbas that officials said was preparing to launch a fifth drone, a senior defense official told The Hill. Hours later, Iran reported striking a U.S. base from which the American operation originated.
The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of global oil shipments daily, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, making it one of the world's most strategically significant maritime passages.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to brief reporters at the White House at 2 p.m. EDT on Thursday, where he is expected to address questions about the framework agreement.
The Bottom Line
The tentative framework represents a potential diplomatic opening after weeks of military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The deal's success depends on whether Trump formally approves its terms, which have not been publicly disclosed in full.
What happens next: If signed, the 60-day window would allow both sides to pursue formal nuclear negotiations while maintaining the ceasefire. International observers, including officials from European nations that remain party to the original Iran nuclear agreement, are expected to be briefed on developments.
What to watch for: Congressional reaction to any final deal, particularly in the Senate where a two-thirds majority would be required to ratify any treaty-related provisions. The administration has not indicated whether it will seek legislative approval or proceed through executive channels.