Iran Says US Peace Deal Could Be Signed Soon, but Not on Sunday

Iran and the United States appear to be nearing an initial agreement aimed at ending three months of conflict, although Iranian officials have ruled out signing the framework on Sunday. Tehran said a memorandum of understanding could still be finalized in the coming days but cautioned against setting a specific timeline.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both sides had agreed on a peace framework and were preparing for an electronic signing before technical negotiations begin. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the agreement would not be signed immediately.

Key Terms of the Proposed Deal

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the draft framework calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. The proposal would also allow the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

Iran Nuclear Talks Remain Major Issue

The agreement would be followed by a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear program. While U.S. officials say the process could eventually lead to dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has insisted that Tehran wants to retain its uranium stockpile in diluted form.

Israel Rejects Participation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not be part of the proposed agreement, highlighting continuing disagreements over regional security and the future of the conflict in Lebanon.