The United States and Iran are reportedly close to a deal extending the ceasefire by 60 days, according to American sources. However, final approval from US President Donald Trump remains pending.

At the same time, tensions in the region are not easing. Iran announced missile launches and the interception of a “hostile aircraft” in the Bushehr province — claims that Washington denied. Meanwhile, deadly Israeli operations continue on the Lebanon front.

Negotiations for an agreement, but no final approval

Sources in Washington told AFP that the US and Iran have reached a framework agreement for a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, aimed at allowing time for negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program and ending the war in the Middle East.

However, the draft has not yet been approved by Donald Trump, while the Iranian side disputes that any finalized text exists. The Tasnim news agency, citing a source within the Iranian negotiating team, said reports of an agreement are premature.

“This is false. The text has not yet been finalized,” the source said.

Vance: “We have made progress, but there are outstanding issues”

US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, but stressed that key issues remain unresolved.

“I think it’s hard to say exactly when or if the president will sign the memorandum of understanding. We are going back and forth on certain points of wording,” he said.

Vance specifically referred to issues surrounding Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and future uranium enrichment, which remain points of disagreement.

“There are certain issues related to the nuclear program, the stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, and the issue of enrichment. We continue discussions with them,” he said, adding that Washington believes Tehran is negotiating “in good faith.”

According to Axios, the draft framework does not resolve the nuclear issue itself, but leaves it to be negotiated during the 60-day ceasefire. Iran would also commit not to pursue nuclear weapons.

Disputes over uranium and the Strait of Hormuz

Despite progress, significant gaps remain. Tehran is demanding the release of around $24 billion in frozen Iranian funds abroad, while refusing to remove its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium from the country.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, insists on the destruction of these stockpiles.

The Strait of Hormuz is also part of the negotiations. According to Axios, the proposed framework includes “unimpeded” navigation through the strategic waterway. In return, the US would lift restrictions on Iranian ports and suspend part of the sanctions affecting Iran’s oil exports.

Missile launches and conflicting drone reports

While diplomatic contacts continue, Iranian media reported that the armed forces launched missiles from the south of the country toward unspecified targets.

The Tasnim agency also reported gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz area, described as warning shots toward vessels operating in the waters.

At the same time, Iranian media claimed a “hostile aircraft” was intercepted in Bushehr province, where Iran’s only nuclear power plant is located.

Some reports alleged the downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the coastal city of Jam. However, a US official denied the reports via Reuters, stating that no US aircraft had been lost in the area.

According to Tasnim, the governor of Jam province said the situation remained completely calm after the incident.

Escalation continues in Lebanon

Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon remains highly tense. At least 17 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the south of the country and near Beirut, while the Israeli army announced an expansion of its “operational area” against Hezbollah.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned a new escalation of hostilities, despite a ceasefire that has theoretically been in effect since April 17.

The developments come just days before new talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, and as Iran continues to link any broader agreement with the US to an end to hostilities on the Lebanese front.