The United States and Iran are "very close" to reaching an agreement, but several important issues still need to be resolved before a final deal can be signed, US Vice-President JD Vance has said. Speaking to the BBC, Vance cautioned that it was still too early to predict "when or if" the two sides would ultimately finalize an agreement.

According to reports, US and Iranian officials have agreed on a preliminary framework, pending approval from President Donald Trump and Iran's leadership. The proposed arrangement would reportedly extend the current ceasefire for 60 days and open negotiations on the future of Iran's nuclear programme. However, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said the agreement has not yet been finalized or officially confirmed.

The framework is also said to include measures to restore unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route through which around one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass. Reports suggest the US could ease sanctions and allow Iran to resume oil exports, while Iran would be given time to remove mines from the strategic waterway.