Pakistan Says US-Iran Peace Deal Signing Expected Within 24 Hours
Islamabad-Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the United States and Iran had agreed on a framework for a peace deal aimed at ending their months-long conflict, with a final text prepared for signing.
Sharif said Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing within the next 24 hours, followed by technical-level talks expected next week.
The announcement came after weeks of negotiations involving international mediators following intensified fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel that raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
US Central Command said on Friday that it had intercepted several Iranian attack drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, disrupted oil and natural gas flows from the Arabian Gulf and affected global energy markets. A ceasefire has been in place since April 7.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said terms related to Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized within 60 days after the initial agreement and that the timeline could be extended if needed.
The United States and Israel have expressed concerns that Iran’s nuclear activities could lead to the development of nuclear weapons, while Tehran has maintained that its program is peaceful.
A senior US official said the emerging agreement would begin a process to remove or destroy Iran’s highly enriched uranium, with technical details to be worked out during the 60-day period.
The agreement is also expected to include steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official. Iran has sought the ability to charge ships for services while they transit the waterway, a proposal criticized by some countries as inconsistent with international law.
Regional officials said the deal could include phased sanctions relief for Iran and the release of frozen assets.
The situation in Lebanon remains unresolved, with Iran insisting that any agreement should include a ceasefire there. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
