Islamabad (TDI): An Islamabad-brokered framework aimed at formally ending the conflict between Iran and the United States moved closer to completion on Saturday, although Tehran and Washington appeared divided over when the agreement would be signed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the proposed accord was expected to be finalized within the next 24 hours, describing it as the closest the two sides had come to securing a lasting peace settlement.
In a post on X, the prime minister said the agreement was “closer than ever before” and expressed hope that it would lay the foundation for durable peace and stability in the region. US President Donald Trump later shared the message on his Truth Social platform, reinforcing expectations that the deal was nearing completion.
Despite the optimism, differences emerged over the signing timeline. Trump said the agreement was scheduled to be signed on Sunday and claimed it would pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the eventual disposal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
Iran, however, rejected suggestions that the memorandum would be signed as early as Sunday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the agreement was close but cautioned against speculation over the exact timing, citing uncertainty over the position of the other side. “The possibility of signing the memorandum in the coming days cannot be ruled out, but we must wait for the exact time of the signing,” he said.
Read More: Pakistan-Brokered Iran-US Deal Nears Finalization: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier indicated that negotiations had entered their final stage, producing a 14-point memorandum of understanding that would formalize the ceasefire and launch a new round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and regional security arrangements.
As diplomatic efforts gathered pace, tensions remained visible in the Gulf. US forces intercepted multiple Iranian drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters, while Iranian media reported explosions near Sirik port and Qeshm Island after local forces fired warning shots at vessels attempting to enter the waterway without authorisation.
A separate maritime security report said a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman, though no casualties or environmental damage were reported.
Meanwhile, Qatar praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating negotiations. During a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and acknowledged the role played by both the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in advancing the peace process.
Read More: Strait of Hormuz Flare-Up Clouds Emerging US–Iran Agreement
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz informed the Qatari leadership that the agreement was ready for signatures and could be concluded shortly.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed the final stage of negotiations and expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to long-term peace and stability across the region.
The proposed memorandum is expected to be signed electronically by both sides before technical-level negotiations begin on a broader settlement covering Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, reconstruction efforts and future arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.
