US-Iran peace deal: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says agreement may be finalised within 24 hours

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that a US-Iran peace deal could be completed within 24 hours. Sharif said Pakistan was ready for an electronic signing soon after. Sharif’s claim raised expectations of movement after months of conflict and talks. There was no quick confirmation from the White House or Iranian authorities.

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The conflict began on February 28 and affected global markets and regional ties. Talks have centred on Iran’s nuclear programme and its enriched uranium stockpile. Negotiators have also discussed US sanctions relief and steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A recent flare-up increased worries about shipping safety in the region.

US-Iran peace deal timing and key statements

In an X post, Sharif wrote, "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.\" Sharif thanked the United States and Iran, and also noted regional support.

Sharif added, \"We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace,\" while tagging Donald Trump, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Masoud Pezeshkian and Abbas Araghchi. Trump later posted a screen grab of Sharif’s message on Truth Social. No officials in Washington or Tehran immediately backed Sharif’s timing claim.

On Friday, Sharif said the two sides had settled the wording of a proposed agreement. Sharif wrote, \"Setting aside the noise, we can confirm that a final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalise the next steps.\" The latest statement suggested the effort had moved into final stages.

Pakistan mediator role in US-Iran peace deal talks

Pakistan has played a central role in contacts between Washington and Tehran. After a fragile ceasefire in April, Islamabad hosted the first round of talks. Senior officials from both sides attended, but they did not secure an agreement then. Sharif’s new remarks pointed to renewed momentum around the negotiations.

Araghchi earlier signalled progress, but urged restraint in reporting. Araghchi said, \"Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content. In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course,\" without giving more details. Iranian officials also said the memorandum remained under review.

Trump said on Friday that the United States was nearing a deal with Iran to ease the conflict. Trump also said a memorandum of understanding could be signed in the coming days. JD Vance warned about misinformation around a possible agreement. Vance said, \"The Iranians are not receiving any cash, and no funds are being released for simply signing a deal or attending a meeting.\"

Vance said on Friday that any economic gains for Iran depended on meeting commitments. Vance also said, \"This deal has the potential to remake the region and lead to lasting peace,\" while urging care with unverified reports. The comments came as the diplomatic effort faced heavy public scrutiny online and in media coverage.

Regional diplomacy linked to US-Iran peace deal effort

On Saturday, Sharif spoke with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said. Sharif thanked Qatar for supporting Pakistan’s peace work. Sharif also said the deal was expected to be ready for signatures very shortly. The Qatari leader praised Pakistan’s role, the statement said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also held separate calls with Kaja Kallas, Ignazio Cassis, Badr Abdelatty and Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Dar discussed progress in the US-Iran engagement, Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in posts. The leaders expressed hope that diplomacy would support peace and stability. They also agreed to stay engaged as talks advanced.

Events in the region have also affected India’s concerns over maritime security. Earlier this week, three merchant vessels with Indian crew were hit in separate US military actions off Oman. Three Indian seafarers died in one incident. India on Friday summoned US charge d’affaires Jason Meeks, the second time in a week.

India told Meeks that US strikes on commercial vessels with Indian crew off Oman were unacceptable. India said the attacks undermined safety, security and stability in international maritime commerce. As Pakistan pushed for a deal timeline, official confirmation from the US and Iran was still awaited. The talks remained tied to shipping security and wider regional calm.

With inputs from PTI