Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that a comprehensive agreement between Iran and the US is likely to be completed in the next 24 hours. Pakistan has played a direct mediation role in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran, giving the Prime Minister’s statement significant weight.
The announcement comes as both sides remain publicly at odds over the terms of any agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has stated a final conclusion has not yet been reached and Trump has made it clear that there is a memorandum of understanding, including a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and additional nuclear talks.
Pakistan’s involvement in bringing the two sides closer has drawn wide international attention. Islamabad’s geopolitical location enabled it to act as an intermediary in a delicate moment of the conflict, between Washington and Tehran. The public statement by Prime Minister Shehbaz indicates that Islamabad is convinced that the process is in its final stages now.
A major part of the world’s oil supply is carried through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently blockaded by the US Navy. Trump has confirmed it will reopen the moment a deal is signed. Oil markets have already reacted positively to signs of a potential agreement.
Whether Tehran formally confirms a deal within the stated window will be the defining test of where negotiations actually stand.
