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Iran and US edge closer to ceasefire agreement

24 May 2026 Iran and US edge closer to ceasefire agreement

Diplomatic efforts to conclude the three-month conflict between the United States and Iran have reached a critical juncture, with officials reporting significant progress toward a formal ceasefire. Following extensive mediation led by Pakistan, including high-level meetings in Tehran with military and political leadership, the parties are currently deliberating the final details of a comprehensive memorandum of understanding.

United States President Donald Trump has indicated that a substantial portion of the agreement has been negotiated, noting that the framework aims to restore maritime navigation and stabilise global energy markets, which have been severely disrupted since the commencement of hostilities in February. The proposed roadmap is structured in three distinct phases: a formal cessation of hostilities, the resolution of maritime navigation disputes, and the initiation of a thirty-day negotiation window to secure a broader, long-term settlement.

In pursuit of a regional consensus, President Trump has engaged in direct communications with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan. Furthermore, a productive dialogue was reportedly held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the emerging framework.

From the Iranian perspective, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei acknowledged a reduction in diplomatic friction while emphasising that several outstanding issues require further deliberation through intermediaries. Whilst the restoration of maritime access remains a priority for Tehran, the primary objective is the cessation of aerial hostilities and the broader de-escalation of regional conflict. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic that a formal announcement may be forthcoming in the coming days, pending the finalisation of terms following the Eid al-Adha holiday.

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