US and Iran nearing peace deal, Pakistan mediator says

The United States and Iran appear to be on the verge of concluding an agreement to end a conflict that has significantly destabilized the Middle East and impacted the global economy. The hostilities, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 and followed by a ceasefire on April 8, resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that an electronic signing of the peace accord is imminent, stating on X that "we are closer than ever to a peace agreement." He indicated that "technical discussions" would follow the next week. However, a precise date remains uncertain, with Pakistan's Foreign Ministry initially suggesting an electronic signing ceremony for Sunday, while Iranian diplomacy indicated an agreement within "the coming days" but not necessarily on Sunday, according to the state news agency Irna.

“

We are closer than ever to a peace agreement. Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace agreement immediately after.

Discrepancies in the details of the potential agreement have emerged between Iranian and Washington media outlets, following weeks of arduous negotiations. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously emphasized that "as long as a comprehensive agreement has not been reached... it cannot be stated with certainty that common ground has been found."

“

As soon as the final steps of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced.

Amidst these diplomatic efforts, the U.S. Central Command reported intercepting "several attack drones" launched by Iran targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these incidents, maritime traffic in the strait reportedly remained fluid.

Both sides have signaled progress. Araghchi assured that "as soon as the final steps of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced." He suggested the compromise includes lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and a new management approach for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for hydrocarbon trade. A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, estimated the probability of a framework agreement leading to 60 days of technical discussions at "80 to 85%," while acknowledging that "the finish line has not yet been crossed."

“

80 to 85% probability of a framework agreement opening a 60-day period of technical discussions, even if the finish line has not yet been crossed.