US and Iran reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire

Negotiators for the US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to extend a ceasefire between the two countries by 60 days, however, the deal has not yet been approved by the leadership of either country.

The deal comes amid renewed attacks in the region, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying it targeted an American air base in the region, after fresh US strikes on southern Iran overnight.

US sources told the BBC that a deal had been reached, but that President Donald Trump had not yet given it his approval.

According to the sources, the deal includes a plan to launch talks to discuss Iran's nuclear programme, which the US opposes.

Both Iran and the US have accused each other of violating the fragile ceasefire in the past few days.

On Wednesday, Iranian state media reported elements of what they described as an unofficial draft of a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The report included the lifting of Washington's naval blockade of Iranian ports, the withdrawal of US forces from the "vicinity of Iran", and the restoration of non-military traffic through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran and Oman in control of the management and routing of vessels.

One-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas and oil normally pass through the shipping channel, and its closure has impacted global fuel trade.

The White House issued a terse statement, calling the purported MOU draft a "complete fabrication".

During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump said that Iran was "negotiating on fumes", insisting that his war strategy will not be affected by November's US midterm elections.

He said he was not yet satisfied with proposals for a deal.

Both sides signalled progress had been made towards a deal late last week, prompting speculation an announcement was close.