US-Iran MOU on 60-day ceasefire extension reached, but Trump must approve, sources say
Details and Implications of the US-Iran Ceasefire Extension Agreement
By Jonathan Landay, Steve Holland, Gram Slattery and Humeyra Pamuk
Background of the Agreement
WASHINGTON, May 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Iran have reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire for 60 days, but U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to approve it, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Key Provisions of the Memorandum
The agreement will state how to address Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which will be among the first issues discussed during the 60-day window, according to an earlier report by Axios, which broke the news.
The White House declined to comment.
Political Dynamics and Reactions
Previous Negotiation Attempts
The Trump administration has several times said a deal to end the fighting was close, only to have Iran dispute or downplay the claims.
Trump's Statements on the Conflict
Trump initially said the war would last four to six weeks, but it is now three months old. At times, he has suggested the conflict could end within days, only to later suggest it could go on for some time.
Recent Developments
Over the weekend, expectations of a deal soared when Trump canceled his weekend plans to stay in Washington and skipped his son's wedding, citing "circumstances pertaining to government." On Sunday, a senior Trump administration official downplayed an imminent deal, but said there was agreement in principle over the broad contours of a deal.
Domestic and International Pressures
Pressure from Political Allies
Trump has come under growing pressure from Iran hawks in his own party, who have urged him not to make any agreement that fails to immediately address Iran's nuclear program.
Economic Concerns and Voter Sentiment
Growing voter disquiet about high prices, especially for gasoline, has added to political pressure on Trump’s Republican Party, which is widely expected to struggle to keep control of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate.
US and Iranian Positions on Nuclear Program
Trump has said his key aim in the war is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon with its highly enriched uranium. Tehran has consistently denied it has plans to do that.
(Reporting by Jonathan Landay, Gram Slattery, Steve Holland and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Don Durfee, Rod Nickel)
