Islamabad/Washington/Tehran: The United States and Iran appear to be on the verge of a significant breakthrough after months of conflict, with officials from both sides indicating that negotiations on extending the current ceasefire are nearing completion.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that negotiators had reached an agreed text for a proposed peace deal, raising hopes that a broader settlement could soon be finalized. Senior U.S. officials stated that discussions were approximately 80 to 85 percent complete, although some uncertainty remains regarding final approval from Iran’s leadership.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also expressed optimism, saying that Tehran’s National Security Council would likely make a final decision within days. He described the negotiations as the closest they have ever been to producing a lasting agreement.
Under the proposed arrangement, the ceasefire would reportedly be extended for 60 days. During this period, Iran would reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and engage in further negotiations over its nuclear program. In return, Tehran could receive phased sanctions relief and access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, subject to compliance with agreed benchmarks.
Despite the positive momentum, important differences remain. U.S. and Iranian officials have offered differing interpretations of several key provisions, including the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz and the scope of Iran’s nuclear commitments. Questions also remain regarding uranium enrichment levels, ballistic missile restrictions, and verification mechanisms.
The conflict, which began earlier this year, has had major global consequences, disrupting energy markets and increasing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the negotiations, while Qatar has also played an increasingly active diplomatic role.
Although military incidents have continued in the region, diplomats from all sides are working to transform the fragile ceasefire into a broader peace framework. If finalized, the agreement could mark one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in the Middle East in recent years and help restore stability to a region that has faced months of uncertainty and conflict.
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