World closer than ever to Iran-US peace deal, says Pakistan PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the world was closer “than ever before” to a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, announcing that the finalization of a landmark deal was expected within the next 24 hours.

The development marks the culmination of more than 100 days of conflict, diplomacy and intensive regional engagement that saw Pakistan emerge as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Islamabad has maintained sustained diplomatic contacts with both sides and worked closely with regional partners to facilitate dialogue, reduce tensions and support efforts toward a negotiated settlement. 

The mediation initiative, which Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later referred to as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” has drawn support from countries across the region and international stakeholders seeking stability in the Middle East and the reopening of critical maritime routes.

In a post on X, Sharif said the final stages of the agreement were now underway. 

“The world is closer than ever before” to an Iran-US peace deal, he said, adding that the finalization of the agreement was expected in the next 24 hours.

The prime minister said Islamabad was preparing for the electronic signing of the peace accord and noted that technical-level talks between the two countries were scheduled for next week as part of the implementation process.

US President Donald Trump also reshared the premier's post on his Truth Social account.

Sharif thanked both the United States and Iran for their commitment to the negotiations and praised the sincere support of regional partners throughout the process.

He said Pakistan remained confident that the historic agreement would provide a strong foundation for lasting peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Dar, Faisal discuss final-stage negotiations

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Saturday welcomed the United States-Iran negotiations entering their final stage, with both sides expressing optimism ahead of an electronic signing ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during which the two leaders “welcomed the US–Iran negotiations in their final stage, with the electronic signing ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.”

The two foreign ministers also expressed hope that the expected agreement would help stabilize the region. 

According to the statement, they voiced “the hope that this important development will contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.”

The Foreign Office said Prince Faisal appreciated Pakistan's role throughout the diplomatic process, commending Islamabad's “consistent and sustained efforts in support of mediation and dialogue throughout the process.” 

The two sides also discussed the forthcoming Regional Four Foreign Ministers (R-4) meeting, scheduled to be held in Egypt later this month.

Deal imminent

Both sides had already signaled progress in recent days. 

Washington indicated it expected an agreement to be signed shortly, while Araghchi described the proposed arrangement as evidence that Tehran had emerged a “winner of the war.” 

The Iranian foreign minister also said the agreement had “never been closer,” reflecting growing optimism among negotiators.