Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة وإيران تقتربان من اتفاق لوقف إطلاق النار مع استمرار التوترات
According to Al Jazeera,
Diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire between the United States and Iran have continued behind the scenes, with officials signalling progress towards a framework that could open the door to formal negotiations after weeks of conflict and disruption across the Gulf and beyond.
Despite the optimism, questions remain over the timing and scope of any agreement. Iranian media reports suggested discussions are continuing and that key details have yet to be finalised, while both sides continue to navigate sensitive issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and security in the Gulf.
The proposed framework would keep shipping through the Strait of Hormuz unrestricted, require Iran to remove sea mines within 30 days, and see the US lift its naval blockade if commercial traffic resumes, reports suggest. However, US President Donald Trump is yet to sign off on the agreement, leaving its future uncertain.
In recent days, the number of non-Iranian-linked vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz has increased, according to maritime data. Analysts say ships flying the flags of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Norway have resumed transiting the strategic waterway despite ongoing tensions and disruptions to Gulf shipping.
Meanwhile, differences over Iran’s uranium enrichment programme appear to remain entrenched. As negotiations unfold, Iran’s football team is still waiting for US visas ahead of next month’s World Cup, according to Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, who said the team are not competing on “equal terms”. The squad have relocated their training camp to Tijuana, Mexico, after abandoning plans to be based in Arizona.
In related developments, Washington has imposed new sanctions on companies, individuals and vessels accused of helping fund Iran’s military and the IRGC. The measures target oil and petrochemical transport networks, while the Treasury Department also sanctioned Hong Kong-based entities allegedly involved in a multibillion-dollar Iranian oil sales operation. Additionally, Kuwait and the UAE have condemned what Kuwait described as “Iranian aggressions” after a ballistic missile launched towards the country was intercepted, reaffirming their commitment to national security.
As diplomatic discussions progress, the involvement of regional players, such as Pakistan, continues to play a critical role in mediating between the US and Iran, with the focus on maintaining a fragile ceasefire established since April 8.
