The United States and Iran Near a Deal to Extend the Ceasefire by 60 Days and Open the Strait of Hormuz Without Tolls

\r\n[Financial News] As U.S. President Donald Trump said he was nearing a deal to end the conflict with Iran, reports said the two sides were close to an agreement centered on a 60-day ceasefire extension and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls.
On the 23rd local time, the U.S. political news outlet Axios reported, citing a draft agreement obtained through U.S. government officials, that "the two sides appear likely to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will remain in effect for 60 days and can be extended by mutual agreement."
The report came shortly after Pakistan's mediation team visited Tehran the previous day for behind-the-scenes talks with Iran at a high level, and Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran was imminent after a series of calls with mediating countries. In response, Iranian media reported that "Iran's Foreign Ministry is also working to finalize the MOU" and that it had proposed a three-step plan involving "the formal end of the war and a resolution to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz."
According to the MOU draft reported by Axios, the Strait of Hormuz would remain open without tolls during the 60-day ceasefire, and Iran would agree to remove mines to ensure freedom of navigation. In return, the United States would lift its blockade on Iran and waive sanctions so that Iran could sell oil freely. One official said, "Iran wanted the release of frozen funds and permanent sanctions relief, but the United States stressed that there had to be substantive concessions."
The draft also included a pledge by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, as well as language saying it would take part in talks to suspend its uranium enrichment program and dispose of highly enriched uranium. Sources said, "Through mediators, Iran has verbally conveyed to the United States how far it is willing to compromise on issues such as halting uranium enrichment and giving up nuclear materials."
Axios also reported that "U.S. troops stationed around Iran would remain in place during the 60-day ceasefire extension and would withdraw only after a final agreement is reached."
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chaewan Reporter