US-Iran peace deal: Pakistan cites possible Sunday electronic signing ceremony

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a US-Iran peace deal could be wrapped up within 24 hours. Pakistan also signalled an electronic signing ceremony was expected on Sunday. The comments raised hopes of a diplomatic opening after months of conflict. There was no quick confirmation from the White House or Iranian authorities about the reported timing.

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Sharif wrote on X that Pakistan was preparing for an online signing once the text was final. "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 said. Sharif also thanked the US and Iran.

US-Iran peace deal timeline and official messages

Sharif’s post also included another statement about longer-term aims. \"We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace,\" Sharif said. The post tagged US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Trump later reposted a screen grab of Sharif’s message on Truth Social. Trump did not add details about the negotiations. Sharif’s latest remarks followed comments a day earlier. Sharif had said the US and Iran agreed on the deal text. Sharif added that Pakistan was coordinating next steps with both sides.

\"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,\" Sharif had said on Friday. Around the same time, Trump said the US was close to signing a deal. Trump added a memorandum could be signed in coming days.

Pakistan mediation in US-Iran peace deal talks

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by phone to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. A Saturday statement said both welcomed talks in their final stage. It said the electronic signing ceremony was set for tomorrow Sunday. It added the development could support peace and stability in the region.

The Saudi foreign minister praised Pakistan’s steady support for mediation and dialogue, the statement said. Dar and Prince Faisal also discussed the coming Regional Four Foreign Ministers R-4 meeting. The meeting is scheduled in Egypt later this month. Pakistan has described its role as helping contacts between Washington and Tehran during talks.

Sharif also spoke on Saturday with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said Sharif thanked Qatar for support. Sharif said a peace deal was ready for signatures very shortly. The Qatari leader praised Pakistan’s part in diplomatic efforts, the statement said.

Both leaders said they hoped the initiative would help bring lasting peace in the region. They also agreed to stay in close contact in coming days, according to the statement. Separately, Dar held calls with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Dar also spoke with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dar updated the four leaders on US-Iran engagement. The ministry said all sides hoped diplomacy would improve peace and stability. Dar also spoke to Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal in a separate call. These contacts came as Pakistan continued to frame itself as a key intermediary.

US-Iran peace deal terms, nuclear issues and shipping risks

Araghchi earlier hinted at momentum in the negotiations. \"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,\" Araghchi said online. Iranian officials also said the memorandum of understanding was still under review.

Vance warned about what Vance called false claims around the talks. \"The Iranians are not receiving any cash, and no funds are being released for simply signing a deal or attending a meeting,\" Vance said in a social media post. Vance said on Friday benefits would depend on Iran meeting obligations under the proposed plan.

\"This deal has the potential to remake the region and lead to lasting peace,\" Vance said. Vance also urged care with unnamed reports and social media claims. The conflict began on February 28 and shook global markets. It also strained regional alliances and increased diplomatic activity around a settlement.

Pakistan hosted early talks days after a fragile ceasefire was set in April. Senior officials from both sides attended but no deal was secured then. The recent push centres on Iran’s nuclear programme. Talks also cover the enriched uranium stockpile, US sanctions relief, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz with security steps.

Renewed tensions have also raised concern about commercial shipping safety in the region. Earlier this week, three merchant vessels with Indian crew members were hit off Oman. The strikes were linked to separate US military actions. Three Indian seafarers were killed in one incident, according to the report.

India on Friday summoned US charge d’affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in a week. India said American military strikes on commercial vessels with Indian crew off Oman were unacceptable. India said the attacks harmed the safety and stability of maritime trade. Pakistan’s updates suggested diplomacy was still moving, but key parties had not confirmed dates.

With inputs from PTI