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US and Iran Agree on Draft Nuclear Ceasefire Memorandum Pending Trump Approval
US and Iranian negotiators have reached agreement on a draft 60-day memorandum to extend their ceasefire and begin nuclear program negotiations, pending President Trump's approval. The agreement was finalized on May 26, with both sides reportedly ready to sign pending leadership authorization.
Quick Facts
Who
United States
What
agreed on draft memorandum of understanding
When
May 28, 2026
Where
Washington
- agreed on draft memorandum of understanding
- 60-day ceasefire extension
- launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear program
- finalized draft agreement
- awaiting presidential approval
US and Iranian negotiators have agreed on a draft memorandum of understanding aimed at extending a ceasefire and launching formal negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, according to reporting from Axios on May 28. The draft agreement was finalized on May 26 and now requires approval from President Donald Trump before it can be implemented. The proposed memorandum would establish a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire while substantive talks on Iran's nuclear activities proceed. Both countries indicated they needed to secure approval from their respective top leadership before moving forward. US officials stated that Iranian representatives confirmed they had obtained the necessary approvals from their leadership and were prepared to sign the agreement, though Iran has not publicly confirmed this claim. The timing and terms of any formal signing remain dependent on Trump's final approval of the draft memorandum.
Why This Matters
This development represents a potential breakthrough in US-Iran relations, one of the most volatile geopolitical dynamics affecting global energy markets and Middle Eastern stability. If Trump approves the memorandum, it could restart formal nuclear negotiations and reduce immediate military tensions, with implications for oil prices, regional security partnerships, and nuclear non-proliferation efforts. The agreement's success or failure will signal whether the incoming administration pursues diplomatic engagement or confrontation with Iran.
Timeline & Sources
May 26, 2026
WireDraft memorandum of understanding finalized by US and Iranian negotiators
May 28, 2026
WireAxios reports agreement on draft memorandum awaiting Trump's approval