The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to a framework for a potential deal, pending approval from President Donald Trump and Iran’s leadership, according to U.S. officials. The understanding was reached on Thursday and is described as a memorandum of understanding that could extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while opening talks on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.
A White House official told CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. news partner, that Trump “will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines,” adding that “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.” The statement reflects the administration’s continued emphasis on preventing Iran from developing nuclear arms while keeping pressure on Tehran over enrichment and regional security concerns.
Trump has repeatedly said since the ceasefire began on April 8 that the two sides are close to reaching an agreement and that negotiations are moving forward. However, despite the public optimism, there have been no substantive results so far. The apparent framework marks the most concrete sign yet that both sides may be willing to continue discussions, although major issues remain unresolved.
In a social media post on Friday, Trump said he was prepared to lift the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, so that vessels stranded in the waterway could “start the process of ‘heading home!’” The statement suggested a possible easing of military pressure if talks progress, though it was not immediately clear whether any formal change in policy had been made.
Trump also said Iran must allow the United States to remove and destroy its enriched uranium, underscoring one of Washington’s central demands in any nuclear-related agreement. He added that “No money will be exchanged, until further notice,” while saying that “other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to.” The remarks indicate that the most sensitive issues in the talks remain unresolved, particularly those involving uranium stockpiles, sanctions relief and verification.
Later on Friday, a White House official confirmed to the BBC that a meeting in the Situation Room had ended. No further details were provided about the discussion, who attended, or whether it was directly linked to the Iran negotiations. The lack of public information has added to uncertainty over how close the two sides really are to finalizing any agreement.
The reported framework would represent a significant step in the U.S.-Iran standoff if approved, but the deal still depends on both political leaderships and on whether the remaining disputes can be resolved. For now, the ceasefire remains in place, and Washington appears to be signaling that any lasting agreement will be tied to strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activity and clear U.S. security conditions.
