Islamabad: The US and Iran have agreed to extend a 60-day ceasefire under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, just as the original agreement was set to expire on August 17. This decision was confirmed by Pakistani government sources to Anadolu on Wednesday, marking a significant move towards continued negotiations.

According to Philippines News Agency, both parties have communicated their willingness to extend the ceasefire to the mediators, although the exact duration of this extension is still under discussion. The initial ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan in April, was solidified by a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, initiating negotiations towards a long-term agreement.

Despite initial progress, talks hit an impasse due to disagreements over security guarantees and the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz-a key route for global energy supplies and trade. In July, tensions escalated with military exchanges between the US and Iran, involving strikes on Iranian targets by Washington and retaliatory actions by Tehran against US military assets in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

The extension of the ceasefire suggests a willingness from both sides to resume dialogue, albeit amidst complex geopolitical challenges.