US and Iran Plan to Open Strait of Hormuz Within 30 Days of Agreement; Ceasefire Extended by 60 Days

Nikkei Asia reported today, citing Middle East diplomatic sources, that the United States and Iran are discussing a plan to open the Strait of Hormuz approximately 30 days after reaching an agreement to end hostilities, and to extend the ceasefire reached in early April by 60 days. Nikkei Asia reported that Iran would begin clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days of the agreement, after which ships from all countries would be able to navigate freely and safely as before. Iran will not charge a toll. The ceasefire reached by the US and Iran in early April will be extended by 60 days. According to the plan, the two sides will hold negotiations on Iran's nuclear program during the two-month suspension of hostilities and will formulate specific measures to handle Iran's enriched uranium. The US move to lift sanctions on Iran and unfreeze Iranian assets will be implemented in phases. The cessation of fighting will include Lebanon. Iran has demanded that Israel stop its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon as a condition for ending the conflict. At the same time, Israel has demanded that Hezbollah disarm. However, the key to this agreement plan is said to be whether Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei approves it. It is currently unclear whether an agreement can ultimately be reached. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir in Beijing on the 25th. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Munir stated that the US and Iran were close to reaching an agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on the same day that while conclusions have been reached on many aspects, it does not mean that an agreement is about to be signed. US President Trump posted on social media yesterday that he had told US negotiators 'not to rush to reach an agreement.'