US and Iran Near Historic Peace Deal to End War, but Disagree on Signing Timeline

The United States and Iran appear to be on the precipice of a historic peace agreement to end their months-long war, with mediator Pakistan and US President Donald Trump declaring that a deal could be signed as early as Sunday. The diplomatic breakthrough would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, halting a conflict that has severely disrupted global energy markets and international shipping since late February.[1][2][4]

Despite the soaring optimism from Washington and Islamabad, Tehran has pumped the brakes on an immediate weekend signing ceremony. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Saturday that while a finalized pact is highly likely in the coming days, it will definitively not happen on Sunday. Baghaei emphasized the need for caution and further review of the draft text, noting that the exact timing of the electronic signing remains fluid.[1][8]

President Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday morning to assert that the deal is "scheduled to get signed tomorrow," describing the agreement as a definitive end to Iran's nuclear ambitions. He claimed the pact would serve as an impenetrable wall against nuclear proliferation, stating that the US would eventually remove and destroy Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile using specialized bomber aircraft once the region stabilizes.[1][2][3]

The rapid progress follows intense mediation by Pakistan, which has hosted the highest-level talks between the two nations since diplomatic ties were severed in 1979. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a "final, agreed upon text" had been reached, indicating that Islamabad is preparing the technical infrastructure for an electronic signing within 24 hours. This initial memorandum would then be followed by detailed technical-level talks in Geneva next week.[1][7]

The proposed memorandum of understanding is designed to extend the current fragile ceasefire for an additional 60 days. During this critical window, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime artery for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply—while the US would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports. The framework also reportedly paves the way for the unfreezing of up to $24 billion in Iranian assets, provided Tehran meets specific compliance benchmarks.[4][5]

The most contentious aspect of the impending technical talks will undoubtedly be the future of Iran's nuclear program. While US officials insist the framework agreement will lead to the complete dismantling of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that Tehran intends to retain its uranium in a diluted form. This fundamental disconnect sets the stage for grueling negotiations during the 60-day ceasefire extension.[1][4]

The looming deal has already sparked fierce domestic pushback from hardline factions within Iran. Dozens of protesters gathered outside a foreign ministry office in Mashhad on Saturday, chanting slogans against Araghchi and accusing the negotiating team of making unacceptable concessions. Hardliners argue that the agreement deprives Tehran of its primary strategic leverage by relinquishing control over the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.[2]

Underscoring the extreme fragility of the moment, military skirmishes continued even as diplomats finalized the text. The US military shot down multiple Iranian attack drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday morning. US Central Command stated the drones posed a direct threat to commercial traffic, an incident that President Trump condemned as "totally unacceptable" even as he continued to tout the imminent peace deal.[2][5]

If the electronic signing proceeds in the coming days, it will mark a monumental diplomatic achievement, shifting the conflict entirely from military strikes to the negotiating table. However, the ultimate success of the pact hinges on the forthcoming 60-day window, where both sides must resolve deeply entrenched red lines regarding nuclear enrichment, regional proxy forces, and long-term security guarantees in the Middle East.[4][6]