Iran, US reach 'agreement in principle' on ceasefire: Report

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — Negotiations between the United States and Iran have produced an “agreement in principle,” according to a report published Thursday.Citing sources familiar with the Qatar-mediated negotiations, Axios reported that Washington and Tehran have narrowed their differences on key issues, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing Iranian assets and establishing a framework for nuclear discussions during a proposed 60-day ceasefire.According to the report, Qatari and Iranian officials believed by Wednesday that they had finalized a text that would also satisfy US requirements.The proposed agreement is awaiting final approval from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Axios reported.The development comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a lasting arrangement following months of conflict and regional tensions.US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had canceled planned military strikes against Iran, citing progress in negotiations.Trump said discussions had reached the highest levels of the Iranian leadership and suggested that an agreement was close to completion.He later told reporters that a deal was “pretty much all wrapped up” and indicated that details of a signing ceremony would be announced shortly.The reported agreement would address several of the key disputes between the two sides, including restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a pathway for renewed nuclear negotiations and addressing the issue of frozen Iranian assets.The talks have been facilitated through Qatari mediation and follow months of indirect negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict.WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — Negotiations between the United States and Iran have produced an “agreement in principle,” according to a report published Thursday.Citing sources familiar with the Qatar-mediated negotiations, Axios reported that Washington and Tehran have narrowed their differences on key issues, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing Iranian assets and establishing a framework for nuclear discussions during a proposed 60-day ceasefire.According to the report, Qatari and Iranian officials believed by Wednesday that they had finalized a text that would also satisfy US requirements.The proposed agreement is awaiting final approval from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Axios reported.The development comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a lasting arrangement following months of conflict and regional tensions.US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had canceled planned military strikes against Iran, citing progress in negotiations.Trump said discussions had reached the highest levels of the Iranian leadership and suggested that an agreement was close to completion.He later told reporters that a deal was “pretty much all wrapped up” and indicated that details of a signing ceremony would be announced shortly.The reported agreement would address several of the key disputes between the two sides, including restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a pathway for renewed nuclear negotiations and addressing the issue of frozen Iranian assets.The talks have been facilitated through Qatari mediation and follow months of indirect negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict.