Iran Deal 2026: Inside the 60-Day Ceasefire Agreement Trump Is Close to Signing

The Iran Deal 2026 could mark one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East in years. According to a senior US official, Washington and Tehran are inches away from signing a 60-day memorandum of understanding that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, allow Iran to resume selling oil, and pave the way for deeper negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. If finalized, the agreement could ease tensions across the region and offer much-needed stability to global energy markets.

Why This Agreement Matters

For weeks, the world has watched as the standoff between the United States and Iran threatened to spiral into a wider conflict. The proposed deal would not only pause hostilities but also bring relief to global oil supplies, which have been rattled by the ongoing crisis.

Still, the agreement is far from a permanent resolution. While it offers a temporary truce, key questions remain about whether it can evolve into a comprehensive peace pact that satisfies President Trump’s demands on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

What’s Inside the Draft Deal

According to the US official who shared the framework, both nations would sign a memorandum of understanding lasting 60 days, with the option to extend it if both sides agree.

Key elements of the draft include:

• The Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to international shipping without tolls.
• Iran would clear the naval mines it has placed in the strategic waterway.
• The US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports.
• Sanctions waivers would be issued to let Iran resume oil exports freely.
• US military forces deployed to the region in recent months would remain in place, withdrawing only if a final agreement is reached.

The official noted that while the deal would benefit Iran’s struggling economy, it would also significantly stabilize the global oil market — a win for both sides.

Trump’s Guiding Principle: Relief for Performance

A central theme running through the agreement is what the US official described as “relief for performance.” In other words, Iran will only receive economic benefits as it delivers tangible concessions.

Tehran reportedly pushed for the immediate unfreezing of its assets and full sanctions relief, but Washington refused. Instead, the US made clear that any major financial easing would come only after Iran proves it is serious about scaling back its nuclear program. The faster Iran clears the mines and allows shipping to resume, the quicker the US blockade will be lifted.

The Nuclear Question Remains Open

The most sensitive part of the deal involves Iran’s nuclear program. Under the draft, Iran would commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons and would enter negotiations on suspending uranium enrichment and surrendering its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Behind the scenes, sources familiar with the discussions say Iran has already given verbal commitments through mediators about how far it is willing to go on these issues. In return, the United States has agreed to discuss lifting sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian funds — though such moves would only happen as part of a verified final agreement.

A Surprise Clause: Ending the Israel–Hezbollah Conflict

One of the more unexpected elements of the draft is a provision requiring an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This clause has stirred concern in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised objections during a phone call with Trump, though sources say he made his case respectfully. US officials emphasized that the ceasefire would not be one-sided. If Hezbollah attempts to rearm or launch attacks, Israel would still have the right to respond.

As one US official put it bluntly, the arrangement boils down to a simple equation — if Hezbollah stays quiet, Israel will too. The official added that while Netanyahu has internal political pressures to manage, Trump must weigh broader US and global economic interests.

How the Deal Came Together

The path to this agreement involved intense diplomacy across the Middle East and beyond. On Saturday, Trump held a conference call with several Arab and Muslim leaders to gauge support. Sources say all the leaders backed the proposed framework.

Among those involved were the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan. Notably, even the UAE’s traditionally hawkish president, Mohammed bin Zayed, voiced his support.

Pakistan has played a central role as the primary mediator. Field Marshal Asim Munir traveled to Tehran late last week in a final push to seal the agreement.

According to insiders, Trump has been weighing two very different options in recent days — pursuing diplomacy or launching a massive wave of military strikes against Iran. By Saturday evening, the scales appeared to tip toward diplomacy.

What Happens Next

The White House is hoping to wrap up final details within hours and announce the deal as early as Sunday. However, US officials caution that the agreement could fall apart, and even if signed, it might not last the full 60 days if Iran fails to honor its commitments.

Still, there is optimism. Washington believes Iran’s mounting economic pressures could push Tehran toward a broader, lasting agreement that fully removes sanctions and unlocks billions in frozen assets.

One US official summed up the high stakes by noting that the coming weeks will reveal whether Iran is truly willing to change its course. The next phase, the official said, will force Tehran to make defining choices about its future direction as a nation.

If Trump’s nuclear demands are ultimately met, his team suggests he is prepared to go even further — potentially resetting the entire US-Iran relationship and helping Iran tap into what advisers describe as enormous economic potential.

For now, the world waits to see whether this fragile but historic deal will hold.