US and Iran Signal Imminent Peace Deal as Negotiations Advance
The United States and Iran have indicated significant progress toward a potential agreement to end hostilities, with a senior US administration official confirming that a mutually acceptable text is in place. This development comes amid ongoing discussions among Iranian decision-making bodies regarding the memorandum, as stated by a spokesperson from the Iranian foreign ministry.
Pakistan’s Role in Brokering Peace
Pakistan has been actively involved in facilitating negotiations between the two nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a final text of a peace agreement has been reached, stating, “Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalise the next steps.” This assertion underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering dialogue and stability in the region.
Controversy Over Leaked Terms
Leaked details regarding the proposed memorandum have drawn scrutiny, particularly from US President Donald Trump, who labeled the reports as inaccurate. He asserted that the leaked terms do not reflect the actual agreement, emphasizing, “The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing.” Trump criticized the Iranian negotiating team, describing them as “very dishonorable people to deal with.”
Despite this, Trump later shared a post from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who claimed that the memorandum to end the war had never been closer. Araqchi cautioned against speculation regarding the deal’s specifics until it is finalized.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Agreement
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the proposed agreement would see the US providing Iran with billions of dollars in unfrozen assets and lifting sanctions on its oil exports in exchange for Iran’s commitment to open the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program would be postponed for a 60-day period, during which talks on a final settlement would take place. Additionally, the agreement may include discussions on war reparations for Tehran and the removal of longstanding demands regarding Iran’s missile program.
Historically, the US has insisted that Iran relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. However, the current drafts of the agreement reportedly do not include this stipulation. A senior US official indicated that while the uranium stockpile “will be destroyed and removed,” the nuclear program’s dismantling is contingent on Iran’s compliance with the agreement’s terms.
Performance-Based Agreement
The US administration has emphasized that no financial benefits will be released to Iran until it fulfills its obligations under the agreement. Vice President JD Vance reiterated this stance, stating, “First, the Iranians are not receiving any cash, and no funds are being released for simply signing a deal or attending a meeting.” The deal is framed as performance-based, ensuring that economic incentives will only flow to Iran upon meeting its commitments.
Exclusion of Israel from Negotiations
Despite having been a key player in the conflict, Israel has not been included in the ongoing negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly stated that Israel will not be a party to the memorandum. Tensions have arisen between Netanyahu and Trump over US demands for Israel to limit military actions in Lebanon to facilitate a deal with Tehran. Israel’s defense minister has asserted that the country will not withdraw from Lebanese territory, and a senior Israeli official has indicated that any agreement must maintain the current ceasefire in Lebanon while allowing Israel to respond to perceived threats.
Market Reactions and Political Implications
The potential for a peace deal has coincided with a week marked by heightened tensions in the Gulf, following a series of exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran. The US conducted strikes on Iranian positions, leading to retaliatory fire on US bases. Trump’s announcement of a potential agreement has resulted in a rally in global shares and a decline in oil prices, with Brent crude falling over 3% to its lowest level in nearly two months.
The ongoing conflict has become a significant political issue for the White House, with polls indicating a decline in Trump’s approval ratings amid public discontent over rising gasoline prices. Some Republican lawmakers are concerned that the war’s unpopularity could jeopardize their chances in the upcoming midterm elections. However, many within the party maintain hawkish views on Iran, complicating the endorsement of any agreement perceived as yielding concessions.
Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. In 2015, Iran accepted stringent limitations on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief under an agreement with the Obama administration. Following Trump’s withdrawal from that agreement in 2018, Iran escalated its uranium enrichment efforts, producing over 400 kg of material nearing weapons-grade purity.
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Published on 2026-06-12 19:03:00 • By the Editorial Desk
