Pakistan Pushes Historic Diplomatic Breakthrough
Islamabad is moving closer to a major diplomatic breakthrough as the United States and Iran prepare to sign a proposed framework for a peace deal.
The agreement is expected to be signed electronically. It will then be followed by technical-level talks next week.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the agreement was expected to be finalised within 24 hours. In a post on X, he said the deal was closer than ever before. He expressed hope that it would create a strong foundation for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Soon after his statement, US President Donald Trump reposted the prime minister’s message. However, Washington and Tehran gave different timelines for the signing.
Trump insisted that the deal was scheduled to be signed on Sunday. Iran, however, denied that the Islamabad MoU would be signed that early.
Despite the difference over timing, both sides indicated that the agreement could be signed within a day or two.
Trump Says Deal Will Reopen Hormuz
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said the agreement would help open the Strait of Hormuz. He also claimed that no money would exchange hands under the proposed arrangement.
Trump said the United States looked forward to working with Iran and the wider Middle East in the future. He added that Washington wanted the process to move quickly and smoothly.
Iran took a more cautious position.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the exact timing of the Islamabad memorandum was still unclear. He said the deal would not be signed on Sunday, but the possibility of signing it in the coming days could not be ruled out.
Baghaei said caution was needed because of hesitation from the other side. He also said Iranian officials would not travel to Geneva or Islamabad in the next day or two for the signing.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s war with Israel last year had shown national unity. He said the country stood together whenever Iran was at stake.
Hormuz Tensions Continue Despite Peace Hopes
As diplomatic efforts moved forward, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remained high.
A senior US official said Washington would help with de-mining the waterway once the agreement was sealed. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Iranian parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf said any understanding with Washington must include enforceable commitments.
Meanwhile, US forces shot down several Iranian one-way attack drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command later said the waterway remained open for transit.
Iranian media also reported explosions near Sirik port and Qeshm Island. Local officials said Iranian forces fired warning shots at vessels attempting to cross without permission from the IRGC navy.
A tanker was also reportedly hit by an unknown projectile off Oman’s coast. The crew was safe, and no environmental damage was reported.
Pakistan continued its diplomatic contacts during the crisis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a call from Qatar’s prime minister, who praised Pakistan’s role in peace efforts. The Prime Minister’s Office said the deal was ready for signatures very shortly.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also welcomed the final stage of US-Iran negotiations. They expressed hope that the agreement would support lasting peace and stability in the region.
