Trump: Negotiations with Iran will end within 60 days! Both sides have exchanged missile fire since June.

Trump has informed mediators that he will not accept negotiations exceeding 60 days, demanding Iran respond promptly to the memorandum proposal, but Iran insists that details of the nuclear issue require three months. The two sides are communicating through Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and U.S. Special Envoy Witkoff, with Pakistan also involved in promoting the MOU.
(Background: Trump announced "the U.S. is soon out of Iran," halting the war to save midterm elections)
(Additional background: Boston Fed's new study: oil prices won't kill employment, stagflation probability drops significantly but may last longer)

Key Summary

• Trump sets a 60-day negotiation deadline, Iran requests three months, a 30-day difference
• June 1-5, U.S.-Iran exchanges fire three times, IRGC launches 7 ballistic missiles, all intercepted
• Draft MOU covers ceasefire extension, Strait of Hormuz reopening, and nuclear commitments, not yet signed

The conflict has entered its 96th day, with the U.S. and Iran's ceasefire described as "controlled firing."

According to Al Arabiya TV, citing sources, Trump has explicitly told mediators that he will not accept negotiations beyond 60 days and has demanded Iran respond quickly to related proposals.

Currently, messages between the sides are being relayed through Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Additionally, reports indicate Pakistan’s Interior Minister will visit Iran to discuss pathways for signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Iran reportedly hopes to conduct three months of negotiations on the nuclear file details.

Axios exclusively disclosed on May 24 that the draft MOU outline includes: a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz (Iran must clear mines), U.S. lifting port blockades and granting some sanctions exemptions, allowing Iran to sell oil freely; in exchange, Iran commits not to pursue nuclear weapons and prioritizes high-enriched uranium.

On May 23, Trump said the agreement was "roughly negotiated," but then returned the draft, demanding a clear timetable for nuclear commitments and immediate transfer of control over the strait after signing. Iran’s foreign minister criticized the U.S. for making "extreme demands."

There was no "ceasefire" in June

On June 1, Iran shot down a U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone over international waters. U.S. military aircraft responded swiftly, destroying Iran’s air defense system, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones.

On June 3, Iran’s drone severely damaged Kuwait International Airport’s passenger terminal, causing 1 death (an Indian citizen) and 63 injuries. Kuwait’s air defenses detected 30 projectiles, intercepting more than ten missiles and drones.

On June 5, escalation occurred again. U.S. forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones in the Strait of Hormuz, then struck two coastal surveillance radar stations on Goruk and Qeshm Island, key facilities monitoring the Persian Gulf shipping lanes. That night, IRGC retaliated by launching 7 ballistic missiles targeting Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Initial assessments by CENTCOM indicate six missiles were intercepted, the seventh did not reach its target, and officials deny any facility damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the U.S.-Iran negotiations currently stuck?

Trump set a 60-day negotiation deadline, Iran insists that details of the nuclear issue require three months. The sides are communicating through Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and U.S. Special Envoy Witkoff, with Pakistan’s Interior Minister also traveling to Iran to promote pathways for signing the MOU.

How serious is the potential U.S.-Iran military conflict in June 2026?

On June 1, Iran shot down a U.S. drone, triggering exchanges of fire; on June 3, Kuwait’s airport was attacked by drones resulting in 1 death and 63 injuries; on June 5, IRGC launched 7 ballistic missiles targeting U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, with 6 intercepted and 1 not reaching its target.