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May 28, 20261
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US and Iran Reach Preliminary Agreement on Talks Over Sanctions and Nuclear Programme
The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement on a memorandum of understanding that would extend a ceasefire for 60 days and launch negotiations on uranium disposal, enrichment, and sanctions relief. The agreement has not yet been finalized at the highest political level.
Quick Facts
Who
United States
What
Reached preliminary agreement on memorandum of understanding
When
May 28, 2026
Where
Washington (reporting location)
- Reached preliminary agreement on memorandum of understanding
- Agreed to extend ceasefire
- Committed to negotiations on nuclear programme
- Committed to discussions on sanctions relief and frozen funds
- Established mechanism for humanitarian aid access
The United States and Iran have agreed on a preliminary memorandum of understanding that would establish a framework for negotiations on sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear programme, according to reporting by Axios on May 28. The document, which has not yet been finalized at the highest political level, was confirmed by two unnamed US officials and a regional source involved in mediation efforts.
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, a ceasefire between the two countries would be extended for 60 days, during which negotiations would commence on several key issues. The memorandum specifies that initial discussions would focus on the disposal of Iran's highly enriched uranium and addressing Iranian uranium enrichment activities. The United States has committed to discuss sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds as part of the broader negotiation process.
Additionally, the agreement would establish a mechanism to facilitate Iran's access to goods and humanitarian aid during the negotiation period. The preliminary nature of the agreement indicates that formal endorsement from senior political leadership in both nations remains pending. The 60-day window is intended to provide a structured timeframe for substantive progress on nuclear and sanctions-related issues that have long been central to US-Iran tensions.
Why This Matters
This preliminary agreement signals a potential de-escalation in decades-long US-Iran tensions and creates an immediate negotiating window for resolving critical nuclear proliferation and economic sanctions issues. For stakeholders—including international investors, regional allies, and humanitarian organizations—the 60-day framework offers concrete timelines for sanctions relief discussions and humanitarian access, directly affecting energy markets, supply chains, and cross-border aid delivery. However, the agreement's lack of top-level ratification introduces execution risk that readers should monitor closely.
Timeline & Sources
May 28, 2026
WireAxios reports that US and Iran have agreed on preliminary memorandum of understanding on negotiations framework
May 28, 2026
WireTASS publishes report citing Axios on Iran-US preliminary agreement