A long-awaited agreement aimed at ending tensions between Iran and the United States appears to be within reach, with Washington and Islamabad indicating that a formal deal could be signed as early as Sunday. Iran, however, has suggested that while progress has been made, the final signing may still take a few more days.
The differing statements highlight that although negotiations are moving toward a breakthrough, some key issues remain unresolved.
US and Pakistan expect deal within 24 hours
US President Donald Trump and Pakistan, which has been playing a mediating role in the talks, both projected confidence that the agreement would be completed soon.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the peace deal was expected to be finalised within the next 24 hours, after which the parties would proceed with an electronic signing ceremony.
“With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week,” Associated Press quoted Sharif as saying.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry also confirmed that preparations were underway for a signing ceremony on Sunday. Officials said the next phase would involve technical discussions, expected to continue for up to 60 days, with Iran’s nuclear programme taking centre stage.
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Iran urges caution despite optimism
Tehran adopted a more measured tone regarding the timeline.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, “We must wait for the exact timing of the agreement’s signing. It will not happen tomorrow, but it could take place in the coming days. Due to the other side’s inconsistency, we must remain cautious in commenting on the process.”
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also stated earlier that a signing date had not yet been finalised, adding that “The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out.”
Even with the caution, the remarks reflected growing confidence from Tehran compared to previous rounds of negotiations.
Trump signals Strait of Hormuz reopening
Trump maintained that the agreement would be signed on Sunday and linked it directly to the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The waterway remains one of the most sensitive points in the negotiations. Iran has continued to oversee shipping access through the strait, while Washington has repeatedly opposed any long-term Iranian control over the route.
What the draft agreement includes
As per multiple reports, the proposed framework would see the US begin releasing frozen Iranian assets and easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and enter a 60-day negotiation process focused on its nuclear programme.
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The broader objective of the talks is believed to include limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, oversight measures to ensure compliance and discussions on other longstanding issues between the two countries. As negotiators work through the remaining differences, all sides appear closer than they have been in months to reaching a final agreement.
FAQs:
Have the US and Iran signed a peace deal yet?
No, the two countries have not signed a final agreement, though negotiations are said to be in their final stages.
What is in the proposed US-Iran peace deal?
The reported framework includes sanctions relief, oil export measures, frozen assets, the Strait of Hormuz and talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.