After months of intense war that left a significant impact on global economy, the United States and Iran seem to be closing in on a crucial peace deal, if Pakistan's word is to be believed. However, Iran said the signing of the Islamabad memorandum with the United States will not be on Sunday
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says the possibility of signing the deal in the coming days could not be ruled out, but caution was needed regarding any comment on the signing date due to the “hesitation of the other side,” referring to the US.
This comes just hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides would sign the initial deal within the next 24 hours. Islamabad, which has been mediating the talks between Washington and Tehran, said it is preparing for an electronic signing, which will be followed by technical-level talks next week.
"We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week... We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace," Sharif wrote on X. Interestingly, Trump has shared Sharif's post.
Both the US and Iran indicated that they are close to finalising an agreement to end the war. A US official said the two sides have agreed on the text.
This comes 24 hours after Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that a deal with the US was closer than ever. "The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content," he posted. Trump later posted a screenshot of Araghchi's message on his feed.
Meanwhile, Iran said the funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will begin in Tehran on July 4, concluding with his burial in Mashhad on July 9.
