High-wire diplomacy delivered US-Iran deal but hardest stage lies ahead, sources say

Pakistani mediators, with crucial Qatari intervention, have brokered a preliminary deal between the U.S. and Iran, concluding weeks of intense, late-night diplomacy. However, sources close to the talks warn that the hardest stage lies ahead as both nations now face a 60-day window to negotiate a permanent settlement.

The interim agreement aims to de-escalate tensions, but the path to a final accord is fraught with complexity. Key issues on the table include Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that numerous roadblocks, ranging from proposed tolls in the Strait of Hormuz to the war in Lebanon, had to be overcome even to reach this preliminary stage.

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There were many moments during the negotiations when it looked as if the process would grind to a halt.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the 14-point memorandum on Monday, highlighting the precarious nature of the talks. "There were many moments during the negotiations when it looked as if the process would grind to a halt," Sharif told parliament. Five Pakistani sources, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that the deal nearly collapsed several times, particularly on the final night, necessitating Qatar's decisive intervention.

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Washington and Tehran appear to have different interpretations of the same text.

Analysts and sources suggest that turning this framework into a lasting agreement will be even more challenging. "Washington and Tehran appear to have different interpretations of the same text," noted Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute. "Iran will try to turn ambiguity into leverage, while the U.S. will try to preserve pressure until nuclear concessions are secured. Mediation will therefore remain central, but difficult."

Disagreements sometimes hinged on minute details, such as a 45-minute debate over the use of "etc." versus "including" in a specific clause. The process was also disrupted by external factors, including a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and a call by former U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran and Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords. Qatar's financial assurances to Iran reportedly played a key role in securing the framework deal.

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Iran will try to turn ambiguity into leverage, while the U.S. will try to preserve pressure until nuclear concessions are secured. Mediation will therefore remain central, but difficult.