'Peace Has Never Been This Close': Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif Says US-Iran Deal Ready For Final Steps

Iran and the US are nearing Pakistan-mediated peace deal to extend ceasefire and advance nuclear talks. Trump signalled optimism, while Israel urged safeguards against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran and the US are nearing Pakistan-mediated peace deal to extend ceasefire and advance nuclear talks.

Source : PTI

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

• Pakistan confirmed final peace deal text agreed upon.
• Iran's foreign minister confirmed near deal; Trump amplified progress.
• Israel expects Trump to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons acquisition.

After Iran on Friday said that Islamabad Memorendum of Understanding have "never been closer," Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that a final text of the proposed peace deal had been agreed upon and that Islamabad was working closely with US and Iran to complete the remaining steps while Iran 

"Amid ongoing intense mediation efforts by Pakistan, we are fully aware of incessant misinformation campaign being waged by those who want to sabotage the peace deal," Sharif said in a statement.

"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 finalize the next steps. Peace has never been this close as it is now," he added.

Deal 'Never Been Closer' To Finalisation: Iran

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a MoU between Iran and the United States aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire by 60 days and paving the way for further nuclear negotiations was nearing completion.

In a post on X, Araghchi said, "The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from speculation about its contents."

He added that Tehran would disclose the details of the proposed agreement once it is formally concluded. "In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course," Araghchi said.

Trump reshares Iranian foreign minister's post 

US President Donald Trump on Friday amplified signs of progress in negotiations with Iran by resharing a social media post from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said an agreement between Tehran and Washington "has never been closer."

On his Truth Social platform, Trump reposted a screenshot of Araghchi's message on X, in which the Iranian diplomat indicated that talks were nearing a breakthrough.

"All details will be shared with the public in due course," Araghchi wrote, adding that further information would be released once the agreement is formally finalised.

Trump's decision to share the post comes amid growing expectations that the two sides are close to reaching a deal aimed at extending the ceasefire and advancing nuclear negotiations.

'We Expect' Trump To Prevent Iran From Obtaining Nuclear Weapons

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel expects US President Donald Trump to ensure that any agreement with Iran prevents Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In a statement, Katz said Trump was pursuing an agreement that served US interests while also addressing a key Israeli concern: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

"We expect him to uphold this principle, along with other commitments concerning Iran's missile programme and its network of regional proxies," Katz said.

The Israeli minister also reiterated that Israel would maintain its military presence in what it describes as "security zones" in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, where Israeli forces remain deployed.