Are US and Iran close to peace or sliding back to war?

The United States and Iran remain in a precarious position as their ceasefire, which began on April 8th, faces mounting strain despite lasting longer than the initial combat phase. While negotiators have reportedly developed a framework for a 60-day ceasefire extension requiring President Trump's approval, recent military incidents—including U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities and an Iranian ballistic missile attack intercepted over Kuwait—have both sides accusing each other of violations. Complex diplomatic negotiations led by Pakistan are attempting to address fundamental disputes over Iran's nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions relief, though significant disagreements persist.