Bond.az reports that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to extend a ceasefire, allow shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lift a U.S. blockade and some sanctions on Iran, sources told Reuters, but the deal has not been finalised.
An agreement would represent a big step towards ending a war that has pushed the world towards an energy crisis, though the underlying dispute over Iran's nuclear programme would only be thrashed out in talks over subsequent weeks.
WHERE HAVE THE DISCUSSIONS GOT TO?
Following a ceasefire in early April, the two sides have remained at odds on issues including Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's war in Lebanon with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia, and Tehran's demands for the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets.
After weeks of mainly indirect talks, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday that the U.S. and Iran had agreed a memorandum of understanding that would halt the war and give negotiators 60 days to reach a final deal.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ISSUES?
HORMUZ AND GULF BLOCKADE
Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up oil prices. Reopening is the U.S. priority and Iran's main point of leverage.
NUCLEAR
The U.S. says it believes Iran wants to build a nuclear bomb. Iran denies this. The focus is on uranium enrichment.
BALLISTIC MISSILES
A U.S. demand is that Iran limit the range of its ballistic missiles. Iran says it is non-negotiable.
SANCTIONS AND FROZEN ASSETS
Iran wants sanctions lifted and frozen oil revenues released. The U.S. has resisted.
LEBANON
Iran insists that Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon must be included in any deal.
