Islamabad: A breakthrough in efforts to end months of conflict between the United States and Iran could be imminent, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing that an initial peace agreement is expected to be electronically signed within the next 24 hours.
The announcement comes amid growing optimism that a diplomatic resolution may be within reach following weeks of mediation efforts and a fragile ceasefire that has largely held since April. Sharif stated that the two sides have agreed on the final text of the proposed agreement and are preparing for the next phase of negotiations.
Pakistan claims final text has been agreed
In a statement shared on social media, Sharif said the United States and Iran were closer to a peace deal than ever before and that preparations were underway for the electronic signing of the agreement.
“We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week,” Sharif said.
He also thanked both countries and regional partners for their commitment to negotiations, expressing confidence that the agreement could lay the foundation for long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
According to Sharif, negotiators have reached what he described as a “final, agreed upon text” of the agreement, although implementation details are still being worked out.
Technical talks to follow signing
Pakistan, which has played a mediating role during the negotiations, indicated that technical-level discussions would begin shortly after the signing process is completed. These talks are expected to focus on implementation mechanisms and unresolved issues surrounding the broader peace framework.
Reports suggest that the agreement could include provisions related to sanctions relief, reopening maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and a roadmap for future discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear programme. However, some key issues remain sensitive and may be addressed in follow-up negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also indicated that an agreement is closer than ever, while suggesting that any final signing could initially take place through a remote or digital process before formal announcements are made.
Conflict pushed region to the brink
The potential breakthrough follows months of conflict that began in late February and triggered significant instability across the Middle East. The hostilities disrupted shipping routes, impacted global energy markets and raised concerns about a broader regional war.
Although a ceasefire has largely remained in place since April, tensions have persisted, with occasional military incidents reported in the region. Despite these challenges, diplomats from multiple countries have continued efforts to broker a lasting settlement.
US President Donald Trump recently indicated that negotiations were progressing and suggested that a deal could be concluded over the weekend. Reports also indicate that senior officials on both sides remain engaged in discussions aimed at finalising the agreement.
Uncertainty remains despite optimism
While the announcement has generated optimism, officials and analysts caution that final agreements can still face last-minute hurdles. Several aspects of the proposed settlement, including long-term nuclear arrangements and regional security issues, are reportedly still under discussion.
Nevertheless, the latest statements from Pakistan, Iran and US officials suggest that diplomatic momentum is building toward what could become one of the most significant peace agreements in the region in recent years.
Should the electronic signing proceed as planned, attention will quickly shift to the technical negotiations scheduled for next week, which are expected to determine how the agreement is implemented and monitored.
For now, global leaders, energy markets and regional stakeholders are closely watching developments as Washington and Tehran appear to move closer to a formal peace accord.