Day 91 of the Iran War: US and Iran Move Closer to a 60-Day Agreement
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
The United States and Iran are nearing a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with talks expected to cover nuclear issues and other disputes. Despite optimism, key details remain unresolved, and both sides continue to address sensitive issues including Iran’s nuclear program and Persian Gulf security. The proposed framework would maintain unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and require Iran to remove mines within 30 days.
Diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran continue behind the scenes, with officials reporting progress toward a framework that could pave the way for formal negotiations after weeks of conflict and disruption across the Persian Gulf and beyond.
Despite optimism, questions remain about the timing and scope of any deal. Iranian media report that discussions are ongoing and key details remain unresolved, as both sides continue to address sensitive issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and security in the Persian Gulf.
In Iran
US-Iran ceasefire talks: Washington and Tehran are nearing an agreement to extend the fragile ceasefire for 60 days and launch negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, although US President Donald Trump has yet to approve the deal, US sources say. The proposed framework would maintain unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, require Iran to remove mines within 30 days, and lift the US naval blockade if commercial traffic resumes.
More foreign ships traverse Hormuz: The number of non-Iranian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has increased in recent days, maritime data shows. Analysts say ships flying flags from Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, and Norway have resumed transits through the strategic waterway despite tensions and disruptions to Persian Gulf shipping.
War Diplomacy
Nuclear enrichment remains a sticking point: Despite signs of progress, disagreements over Iran’s uranium enrichment program appear to persist.
Iran World Cup visas in limbo: Iran’s football team is still awaiting US visas ahead of next month’s World Cup, according to Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, who says the team is not being allowed to compete under “equal conditions.” The team has moved its training camp to Tijuana, Mexico, after scrapping plans to base in Arizona. Iran is scheduled to open the tournament against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium and Egypt in group play.
Pakistani deputy PM visits US: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to arrive in Washington on Friday for a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The war with Iran is expected to dominate the meeting. Pakistan is a key mediator between the US and Iran, helping to broker the fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 8.
In the Persian Gulf
Kuwait, UAE condemn missile attack: Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have condemned what Kuwait describes as “Iranian aggression” after a ballistic missile fired toward the country was intercepted. The two Gulf states reaffirmed Kuwait’s right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and security. Iran has not explicitly said it targeted Kuwait, though the IRGC said it struck a base used by US forces to launch recent attacks on southern Iran.
Qatar emir, Trump discuss regional tensions: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani held a phone call with Trump to discuss the latest war developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. The talks come as Qatar continues to host regional discussions aimed at strengthening the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and promoting broader stability.
In the US
US expands sanctions on Iran-linked networks: Washington has imposed new sanctions on companies, individuals, and vessels accused of helping to finance Iran’s military and the IRGC. The measures target oil and petrochemical shipping networks, while the Treasury also sanctioned Hong Kong-based entities allegedly involved in a multi-billion-dollar Iranian oil sales operation.
In Israel and Gaza
Netanyahu orders expanded Gaza control: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has directed the military to seize more territory in Gaza, up to 70% of the Palestinian enclave. Israel is estimated to control about 64% of the strip, despite an October US-brokered ceasefire requiring its forces to withdraw to the so-called “Gold Line.”
Growing concern over Gaza control plans: Analysts warn that Israel’s expanding military presence in Gaza could signal a broader plan to seize full control of the territory and displace the Palestinian population.
In Lebanon
Israeli strikes target areas of Beirut, southern Lebanon: Israeli forces carried out deadly strikes across southern Lebanon and conducted the first air raid near Beirut in weeks, killing at least 17 people, including women and children, according to Lebanese authorities. The escalation comes ahead of US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli military officials aimed at halting further conflict, despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah.
