US, Iran near Final Peace Deal as announcement expected Sunday Afternoon
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
WASHINGTON – After weeks of intense backchannel diplomacy mediated by Pakistan, US and Iran are reportedly close to finalizing a peace deal, and a draft agreement is awaiting final approval from both sides, with a possible announcement expected Sunday afternoon. A report shared by Washington Times said both sides are reportedly close to finalizing a peace agreement aimed at ending months of hostilities, with a potential announcement expected as early as Sunday afternoon, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The negotiations involved sustained backchannel diplomacy, with senior officials and regional mediators playing key roles. Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir is said to have acted as a central mediator in efforts to bridge remaining differences, holding discussions in Iran to narrow gaps between the two sides. A Qatari delegation has also arrived in Tehran as part of the final round of diplomatic engagements. If concluded, the agreement would convert a fragile 6-week ceasefire into a more structured and potentially lasting peace arrangement, following weeks of conflict that have significantly disrupted regional stability and global energy markets. However, several core issues remain unresolved. These include the status of Iran’s nuclear program, the scope of potential sanctions relief, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies typically pass and which has been largely disrupted since the conflict began on February 28. The draft reportedly draws on a 14-point proposal put forward by Iran, which has served as a working basis for negotiations. Despite progress, key differences are still being addressed through mediator channels. US top eagles including Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged limited progress in talks but maintain firm conditions, saying Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, must curb uranium enrichment activities, and must ensure unrestricted passa