Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal expected within 24 hours

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that the United States and Iran are nearing a peace agreement to end their protracted conflict. He stated that the two nations are closer to a peace deal than ever before, with finalization likely within the next 24 hours. Sharif indicated that Pakistan is preparing for an electronic signing of the agreement, to be followed by technical-level negotiations the following week. The announcement comes after weeks of stalled talks, with both Washington and Tehran recently signaling progress. However, tensions persist, as the US reported shooting down Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The primary points of contention in the negotiations revolve around US sanctions imposed on Iran, demands for Iran to cease its nuclear development capabilities, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is a critical maritime route, responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas before the conflict escalated. Iran's state television IRIB quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that a "common understanding" with the US cannot be definitively confirmed until a comprehensive agreement on all issues is reached. Pakistan has been actively promoting a peace agreement between the US and Iran since a fragile ceasefire was established in April. While Islamabad has hosted talks between the two sides, no definitive agreement has yet been reached. In his post, Sharif expressed confidence that this "historic peace agreement" would lay a solid foundation for lasting peace, thanking both Washington and Tehran for their "continuous commitment."