Pakistan PM says US-Iran peace deal signing expected within 24 hours

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the United States and Iran are expected to sign a peace agreement within the next 24 hours, raising hopes of an end to months of conflict and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East.

Sharif disclosed on Saturday that both countries had reached a final framework for the proposed peace deal and agreed on the text of the agreement after weeks of intensive negotiations facilitated by Pakistan. According to the Pakistani leader, preparations are underway for an electronic signing ceremony, which could be followed by technical-level discussions next week aimed at implementing the terms of the accord.

“We are closer to a peace deal than ever before,” Sharif said, expressing confidence that the agreement could provide a foundation for lasting stability in the region.

The announcement comes after months of hostilities involving the United States and Iran, a conflict that has heightened security concerns across the Middle East and disrupted international trade routes, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan has played a central mediating role in the negotiations, hosting and facilitating discussions between officials from Washington and Tehran. Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework that could pave the way for broader diplomatic engagement and a gradual de-escalation of tensions.

However, uncertainty remains over the timeline for signing the agreement. While Pakistan indicated that the deal could be formally concluded within a day, Iranian officials have urged caution. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said a signing would not take place immediately but acknowledged that an agreement could be reached in the coming days.

Officials in Washington have also signaled optimism about the progress of the talks. Reports indicate that both sides have largely agreed on the wording of the proposed agreement, although some outstanding issues remain under discussion.

The prospective deal is expected to address key areas of dispute, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and security arrangements in the Gulf region. Technical negotiations scheduled for next week are likely to focus on implementation mechanisms and verification measures.

If finalized, the agreement would mark one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East in recent years and could help ease regional tensions that have persisted for more than three months.