The United States and Iran are discussing a 30-day ceasefire that would halt military hostilities, lift U.S. blockades on Iranian shipping and ports, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, three senior Iranian officials told The New York Times. The interim agreement aims to create space for negotiations on a long-term framework addressing Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions relief.

Under the proposed deal, Iran would suspend uranium enrichment for 10 to 15 years and dilute or transfer parts of its enriched uranium stockpile, possibly to a third country such as Russia. U.S. negotiators are pushing for a more stringent arrangement requiring Iran to transfer its entire stockpile to the U.S., shut down three nuclear facilities, and halt enrichment for 20 years.

Iran has agreed in principle to forgo nuclear weapons and suspend enrichment, but no agreement has been reached on the duration or the status of its nuclear sites. Sanctions relief and access to frozen financial assets remain unresolved, with U.S. officials demanding firm commitments on nuclear constraints before easing penalties.

The talks are ongoing, with both sides exchanging proposals on the final wording and structure of the interim deal. No formal agreement has been signed, and officials caution that negotiations remain fragile.