US-Iran peace deal 'closer than ever,' Pakistan says; electronic signing expected within 24 hours

A US-Iran peace framework mediated by Pakistan appears on the verge of completion, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declaring that both sides have agreed on a text to end months of Middle Eastern hostilities. The deal, negotiated in Islamabad, is expected to be finalized within a day, triggering an immediate electronic signing and technical talks next week.

The Pakistani announcement

Sharif took to X on Saturday to announce that "we are closer to a peace agreement than ever before" and that Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signature of the peace agreement immediately after finalisation. Technical-level discussions would follow next week. He thanked the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment during the negotiations and regional countries for their support, expressing confidence that this "historic peace agreement will form a strong foundation for lasting peace."

We are closer to a peace agreement than ever before. With finalisation expected most likely within the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signature of the peace agreement immediately after, followed by technical-level talks next week.

Iran's cautious tone

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told state media that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding will not be signed on Sunday but did not rule out a signing "in the coming days." He cited the "instability of the other side" as a reason for caution and emphasised that the current phase focuses solely on ending the war, with the nuclear issue deferred to a second stage of negotiations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier sketched a framework that includes an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, a key Tehran demand.

The Islamabad Memorandum, which is underway, focuses on ending the war, and at this stage it has been decided not to discuss the nuclear issue.

Trump's push before the G7

The Trump administration is pressing to wrap up the agreement before the G7 summit in France on Monday, according to the Telegraph. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that a breakthrough "perhaps even this weekend or by Monday" could move the situation forward and expressed confidence that the deal would lower energy prices for Americans. President Trump reportedly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the deal as excellent and indicating it was time to end the war.

We'll see, perhaps even this weekend or by Monday, we'll be on the other side of this issue.

Israel on the sidelines

Israel, excluded from the negotiations, has reacted with private reservations. Netanyahu, who had hoped the conflict might lead to regime change in Tehran, was reportedly unable to block the deal and instead expressed confidence that US negotiators would take Israel's nuclear concerns into account. Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue, and senior officials have stated the military will not withdraw from any front, while the framework sketched by Araghchi includes a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

What happens next

The anticipated sequence begins with finalisation of the text, likely by Sunday, followed by an electronic signature ceremony. Technical talks will commence next week, and the nuclear issue will be addressed in a separate 60-day negotiation track. Trump's aim to seal the deal ahead of the G7 gathering in Évian-les-Bains adds further urgency. All parties have signalled that a formal agreement would represent the closest the region has come to a durable ceasefire in months.