US, Iran reach tentative ceasefire, Trump's approval pending - report

US and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative agreement on a 60-day ceasefire extension and framework for nuclear talks, the Axios news website reported Wednesday, citing American officials.

The report said President Donald Trump has not yet given his final approval to the memorandum of understanding, despite negotiators from both sides largely finalizing the terms.

A broader deal addressing Washington's demands on Iran's nuclear program would still require further negotiations, according to Axios.

US officials cited by the news outlet said Iranian negotiators later informed mediators they secured the necessary approvals and were ready to sign the agreement, although Tehran has not publicly confirmed the claim.

The report said US negotiators briefed Trump on the proposal, but the president requested additional time before making a decision.

"The president relayed to the mediators that he wants a couple of days to think about it," Axios quoted a US official.

Under the proposed memorandum, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would remain "unrestricted," Axios reported. Iran would also be required to remove all mines from the strategic waterway within 30 days and refrain from imposing tolls or harassing vessels.

The report added that the US naval blockade would be lifted gradually in line with the restoration of commercial shipping activity.

The memorandum would also include an Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and would prioritize negotiations on Tehran's highly enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment activities during the 60-day period, according to Axios.

In return, the US would agree to discuss sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds as part of the talks, while the memorandum would also include mechanisms aimed at facilitating the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid to Iran.