ISLAMABAD — Pakistan said on Saturday that the United States and Iran were closer than ever to a peace agreement, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stating that a deal could be finalized within 24 hours after months of mediation efforts led by Islamabad.
Sharif said a final text of the proposed agreement had been reached and that Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing ceremony once the remaining procedural steps were completed. Technical-level discussions are expected to follow next week, according to statements from the Pakistani government.
“We are closer to a peace deal than ever before,” Sharif said in a social media post, adding that Pakistan was working closely with both parties on the final stages of the process.
The reported breakthrough follows months of negotiations involving Pakistan and other regional mediators amid efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. A ceasefire that took effect earlier this year has largely held, although intermittent incidents have raised concerns about renewed escalation.
U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed optimism about the prospects for an agreement. According to reports, Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as Sunday and described relations with Iran as improving, while emphasizing that the accord would represent a significant diplomatic step.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi likewise indicated progress but urged caution regarding public discussion of the agreement’s contents. He said the proposed understanding had “never been closer” to completion and called on media organizations to avoid speculation until the text was finalized.
Details of the agreement remain unclear. Reports from multiple outlets said the proposed arrangement is expected to focus on ending hostilities and extending existing ceasefire measures. However, accounts of specific provisions differ, and neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly released the final text.
The negotiations have drawn international attention because of their potential impact on regional security and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. Some reports have suggested that reopening or securing shipping access could be among issues addressed in the broader process, though officials have not publicly confirmed final terms.
As of Saturday, no formal signing had been announced. Pakistani officials said preparations were under way for an electronic signing, while Iranian officials signaled that additional time might still be required before the agreement is completed.
