US and Iran Reach Tentative Ceasefire Extension Deal, Nuclear Talks Await Trump Approval.
Washington/Tehran:
The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to extend the current ceasefire for an additional 60 days and begin formal negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.
The agreement, however, remains subject to approval by US President Donald Trump, whose final signoff is still pending. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the emerging pact is aimed at easing escalating tensions in the Middle East and creating space for broader diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
The development comes amid renewed accusations between both nations over alleged ceasefire violations during the past two days. Regional tensions intensified after Kuwait reportedly came under attack from Iran, while the United States carried out what officials described as “defensive strikes” against Iranian targets.
Despite the fragile diplomatic progress, President Trump maintained a hardline tone earlier on Wednesday, stating that Iran was “negotiating on fumes.” He also asserted that the approaching US midterm elections in November would not pressure his administration into rushing a peace agreement.
The proposed ceasefire extension is expected to temporarily halt direct military escalations while negotiators focus on restarting discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions, and regional security issues. Analysts view the talks as one of the most significant diplomatic openings between the two countries in recent years.
Meanwhile, political and legal developments continue to unfold in Washington.
The US Justice Department has reportedly launched an investigation into whether writer and columnist E. Jean Carroll made false statements during civil litigation against President Trump. Carroll had accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store nearly three decades ago. The investigation was confirmed by a person familiar with the matter, though official details remain limited.
In another major development, a federal judge has declined to block President Trump’s executive order creating a federal voter list and imposing new restrictions on mail-in voting. The decision clears the way for potentially sweeping changes to the administration of American elections ahead of this year’s midterm polls.
Critics argue the measures could impact voter access, while supporters say the reforms are necessary to strengthen election security and voter verification processes.
The combination of escalating foreign policy negotiations and high-profile domestic legal battles underscores a politically charged period for the Trump administration as the United States heads toward another crucial election cycle.
