US-Iran ceasefire extended as deadline nears

The United States and Iran have agreed to extend their ceasefire ahead of the expiration of the 60-day deadline set under the Islamabad MoU.

The Islamabad MoU, signed in June, provided a framework for maintaining the ceasefire while Washington and Tehran pursued negotiations aimed at reaching a broader and lasting settlement.

Under the agreement, several major issues were left for subsequent negotiations, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets and arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz. 

The reported extension is significant as diplomatic efforts have faced challenges since the agreement was reached. 

Previous reports indicated that disagreements over key provisions had threatened to undermine the fragile ceasefire and delay progress toward a comprehensive settlement.

Pakistan has played a central mediating role in the US-Iran negotiations, with Pakistani officials facilitating contacts between the two sides and supporting technical-level discussions.