US-Iran Peace Deal Nears Finalization; Pakistan Cites Agreed Text
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that the United States and Iran have agreed on the final text of a peace deal to end their ongoing conflict, with Pakistan acting as a key mediator. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately confirmed that a memorandum of understanding is 'never been closer,' urging media restraint pending finalization. Germany's Deutsche Welle also reported both sides describing an agreement as imminent, with mediators working to 'finalize the next steps.'
The diplomatic momentum was complicated by a public row over leaked details. Iranian state media reported terms that included Iran retaining uranium enrichment rights, receiving billions in sanctions relief, and maintaining influence over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump angrily rejected these claims as 'fake news' and called Iranian officials 'dishonorable,' while US Vice President JD Vance stressed that any deal would center on US and allied security interests and that economic benefits to Iran would only follow compliance. Israel's defence minister publicly vowed that Israel would preserve its freedom to strike Iran regardless of any US-Iran agreement, and declared Israel would maintain its military presence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
Iran's army chief separately asserted that Tehran is now the 'dominant' power in the Strait of Hormuz. The deal's final shape — particularly on uranium enrichment and sanctions — remains the central sticking point. If finalized, the agreement would end a conflict that has disrupted global shipping through Hormuz and killed sailors from multiple countries. The next concrete step to watch is whether a formal signing ceremony is announced.
Sources
- Pakistan says ‘final, agreed upon’ text of Iran war ceasefire deal reached
- Pakistan says US-Iran peace deal text has been agreed
- Iran, US say deal to end war 'has never been closer'
- Iran says MoU has ‘never been closer’ amid leak row
- Iran army chief says Tehran now ‘dominant’ power in Strait of Hormuz
- US vice president says Iran deal will not hand Tehran cash
- Trump fumes at ‘dishonorable’ Iranians amid leaks on emerging deal’s purported terms
- Trump grouses about ‘weak and pathetic’ Iran, dismisses ‘leaked’ deal
- Israel vows to keep occupying Gaza, Lebanon and Syria despite possible US-Iran deal