The United States and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding on May 28, 2026, to extend their cease-fire by 60 days [1].

The agreement is critical to preventing the collapse of a fragile peace and stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon [1]. It also aims to restore commercial shipping by reopening the Strait of Hormuz [1].

Four sources familiar with the matter said the two nations have reached an outline agreement pending the approval of President Donald Trump [1]. The deal follows negotiations referenced from Washington and Dubai [1].

President Trump established strict conditions for his endorsement of the extension. "Iran must agree to never have a nuclear weapon and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately, without tolls," Trump said [1].

The 60-day window [1] is intended to provide a buffer for further diplomatic efforts. If the extension is approved, it would maintain the current pause in hostilities while addressing the immediate security concerns regarding the maritime corridor [1].

While the memorandum provides a framework, the final decision rests with the U.S. presidency. The deal's success depends on Iran's willingness to meet the demands regarding nuclear proliferation, and the removal of tolls in the strait [1].

“The United States and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding on May 28, 2026, to extend their cease-fire by 60 days.”

This tentative agreement signals a high-stakes diplomatic gamble to avoid open conflict in the Middle East. By tying the ceasefire extension to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a permanent ban on nuclear weapons, the U.S. is leveraging the threat of renewed hostilities to secure strategic concessions that have historically been the primary points of contention between the two nations.