Iran and US deny reports of preliminary ceasefire extension agreement

Iran and the United States have both denied reports of a “preliminary agreement” to extend the ceasefire, amid continued diplomatic contacts between the two sides.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected circulating claims of such an agreement, describing them as rumours and speculation that have not been confirmed.

At the same time, a US source cited by Axios said that Washington has refused to extend the truce, despite ongoing communication channels aimed at reaching a broader understanding.

The statements came in response to a report by the Associated Press suggesting that both sides had given initial approval to extend the ceasefire to allow more time for diplomacy.

Negotiations remain stalled over three key issues: Iran’s nuclear program, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and war reparations.

Iran and the United States had announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad that ended without tangible results.

While no official announcement has been made regarding a resumption of hostilities, the United States continues to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, as mediators work to arrange a new round of negotiations.

READ: White House says next round of talks with Iran ‘very likely’ in Islamabad