U. S. and Pakistani leaders are expecting a framework agreement to be signed on Sunday to end the ongoing fighting between the U. S. and Iran. President Donald Trump announced that the deal is set to coincide with his 80th birthday. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that Pakistan is ready for an electronic signing, which will be followed by technical discussions next week. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that the deal would not be signed on Sunday, but may occur soon, as Iran is still reviewing the framework’s political, legal, and technical details.
Negotiators from Qatar traveled to Tehran on Sunday to help finalize the agreement. Trump stated that once signed, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to all shipping, allowing the U. S. to lift its naval blockade. After the framework deal, negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program are planned. Despite recent U. S. and Israeli military actions that have damaged Iran’s military capabilities, these actions might have strengthened the position of Iran’s hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
As efforts for an agreement ramp up, clashes continue, with the U. S. maintaining its blockade and dealing with threats to the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil supplies. Recently, U. S. forces intercepted Iranian drones heading toward this strategic area. Meanwhile, Israel has been active in targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite tensions with the U. S. over military actions.
Hardline protesters within Iran have voiced strong opposition to the potential agreement, accusing officials of compromising national interests. Reports suggest that under the proposed agreement, the U. S. would release significant amounts of frozen Iranian assets and lift sanctions on oil exports in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides acknowledge that the terms of the deal include Iran’s commitment to charge for services in the strait.
Iran’s nuclear program will be a topic of discussion following the agreement, with a planned 60-day negotiation period to aim for dismantling aspects of the program. Foreign Minister Araqchi stated that Iran prefers its enriched uranium to be diluted and kept within the country.
With information from Reuters
