WASHINGTON — Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar pressed the United States and Iran on Sunday to finalize a memorandum of understanding aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire, even as the two sides offered differing accounts of when any agreement might be signed.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani officials had indicated the memorandum could be signed as early as Sunday, while Iranian officials stated that no date had been set and the process would take place in the coming days. Qatari negotiators traveled to Tehran on Sunday morning to help bridge remaining differences, according to sources familiar with the talks.
The proposed memorandum would extend the ceasefire that has been in place since early April by up to 60 days and address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments that has been affected by the conflict. Further negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and other issues would follow, officials from both sides have said.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government has played a leading mediation role, stated earlier that a final text had been reached and an electronic signing was expected within 24 hours. "Peace has never been this close," Sharif said in a social media post.
Iranian officials have been more cautious. A spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said a deal would not be signed on Sunday but left open the possibility of progress in the coming days, according to Iranian state media. Iranian hardliners have expressed reservations about some elements of the proposals, sources reported.
The indirect talks, which have been conducted primarily through mediators including Pakistan and Qatar, follow months of conflict that escalated earlier in 2026. A temporary two-week ceasefire was announced in April, and subsequent rounds of diplomacy have focused on de-escalation, sanctions relief and regional security concerns.
Details of the memorandum remain subject to final approval. U.S. officials have emphasized commitments regarding Iran's nuclear activities, while Iranian representatives have highlighted expectations around sanctions and economic measures. Both sides have described the current moment as one of the closest points to an agreement in recent negotiations, though differences persist on timelines and specific terms.
As of Sunday afternoon, no signing had been confirmed. Qatari and Pakistani diplomats continued efforts to facilitate an understanding between Washington and Tehran, with technical-level discussions anticipated in the days ahead if the memorandum advances.
The situation reflects ongoing efforts by regional and international actors to stabilize the Middle East following the period of heightened tensions. Further updates are expected in the coming days as mediators work to resolve the remaining timing and substantive issues.
