Iran has swiftly pushed back against claims from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who confidently declared that a landmark peace agreement between the United States and Iran was on the verge of being signed. Tehran's Foreign Ministry dismissed the notion of an immediate signing, introducing diplomatic friction into what Sharif had presented as a significant breakthrough.
Just hours before Iran's denial, Prime Minister Sharif had announced that the framework for a peace deal to resolve the months-long regional crisis had been finalized. He stated that Pakistan was actively preparing for an electronic signing of the pact within 24 hours, with further technical-level discussions scheduled for the following week. Sharif shared this optimism in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to both the United States and Iran for their commitment during negotiations and to regional allies for their support. He conveyed confidence that this "historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace."
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, quickly refuted the timeline. According to state media, Baghaei clarified that the "exact timing of the signing of the Islamabad memorandum will not be on Sunday." While he did not entirely rule out a signing in the coming days, he stressed the need for caution regarding any specific date, attributing the delay to "the hesitation of the other side."
Proposed Agreement Details
Despite the conflicting timelines, the diplomatic framework reportedly addresses several high-stakes security and economic issues. A US official, briefing reporters on Friday, outlined five primary American objectives purportedly met by the agreement:
- Reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports.
- Dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program by extending a ceasefire by 60 days to allow for technical discussions.
- The United States acquiring Iran's entire enriched uranium stockpile.
- Guaranteeing long-term peace in the region.
- Imposing a strict inspection regime to ensure Iran honors its commitment not to seek nuclear weapons.
The immediate diplomatic friction arising from the contradictory statements out of Islamabad and Tehran highlights the complexities of the ongoing negotiations, temporarily stalling the execution of what was hoped to be a historic memorandum.