Uncertainty swirled around a tentative US-Iran ceasefire extension on Friday, as a top Iranian official asserted that concessions are won "through missiles," not negotiations, and it remained unclear whether President Donald Trump supports the deal.
Vance Announces Tentative Agreement
US Vice President JD Vance announced on Thursday that the adversaries had reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire in the three-month-old war. However, he noted that they continued to debate "a couple of language points" and could not confirm whether Trump would approve the proposal.
Iranian Official's Defiant Stance
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated on Friday that his country has "no trust in guarantees or words," only actions, and "no step will be taken before the other side acts." Writing on X, he declared, "We do not gain concessions through talks, but through missiles. In negotiations, we only make them understand that." Qalibaf, who participated in negotiations in Qatar this week, added, "The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war the day after it is signed."
Details of the Tentative Deal
According to a US official familiar with the matter, the tentative agreement would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and initiate a new round of talks on Iran's nuclear program. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that among the first issues to be negotiated would be the fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium. The Islamic Republic possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a short technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Vance indicated that negotiators were trying to reach general terms on the uranium issue in the tentative agreement, with specifics to be hammered out in subsequent talks. He framed the war's accomplishments as a substantial setback to Iran's nuclear program, not just during Trump's term but over the long term.
Nuclear Stockpile and Third-Party Involvement
Iran, which maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, has not publicly committed to giving up the stockpile, believed to be buried under nuclear sites damaged by US airstrikes last year. Nuclear analysts suggest Iran might consider China or Russia as acceptable third parties to take possession of the enriched uranium, but Trump said he "wouldn't be comfortable" with such a plan.
Strait of Hormuz and Sanctions
The proposed memorandum stipulates that Iran cannot impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and must remove all mines from the vital waterway within 30 days. The strait, a conduit for about a fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas, has been effectively closed by Iran during the war, sending oil prices skyrocketing. Iran has allowed some commercial vessels to pass but has charged tolls and established a formal gatekeeper agency, prompting new US sanctions.
Under the tentative agreement, the US would gradually lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports and relax sanctions, allowing Iran to sell more oil. However, the US Treasury Department imposed additional sanctions on the Iranian military's oil sales arm, extending the economic pressure campaign.
Iran's Demands and Regional Tensions
Iran insists any deal must include an end to Israel's military operations in Lebanon against the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. Tensions deepened in Lebanon as Israel conducted airstrikes, killing at least 14 people. Since the ceasefire began seven weeks ago, the US and Iran have traded strikes and accusations of violations but have not returned to full-scale hostilities.
