US-Iran peace deal ‘likely’ to be finalized within 24 hours, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says | Today’s news
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that a peace deal between the United States and Iran would “probably” be finalized within 24 hours.
“We are closer than ever to a peace agreement. Completion is likely to be expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing to electronically sign the peace agreement immediately after, followed by technical-level talks next week,” Sharif said in a post on X.
What Sharif said on Friday
Earlier on Friday, Sharif said the US and Iran had agreed on the text of the peace deal.
“Amidst Pakistan’s continued intensive mediation efforts, we are fully aware of the constant disinformation campaign being waged by those who want to sabotage the peace agreement,” the Pakistani prime minister said in a post on social media.
“The noise aside, we can confirm that a final, agreed text of the peace agreement has been reached and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps,” he said.
The prime minister added that “peace has never been so close as now”.
The US and Iran indicate that a deal is close
On Friday, both the US and Iran signaled progress in peace talks between the two warring parties.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi said in a post on X that “MoU has never been closer to Islamabad”.
“Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from speculating about its contents. In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course,” he said in a post on social media, without giving any details.
Trump also shared Araghchi’s post on his own social media, but without any details about the emerging deal.
US-Iran talks brokered by Pakistan
Pakistan emerged as an unlikely mediator between the US and Iran in March, nearly a month after the US bombing campaign in the Islamic Republic began. Pakistan offered to host the two countries at a neutral venue, and the first US-Iran dialogue was held on April 11-12 in Islamabad. Although it was attended by senior officials from both parties, including US Vice President JD Vance, they failed to reach an agreement.
