US, Iran close to 60-day deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, negotiate Tehran’s nuclear program
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated US President Donald Trump for actively engaging with peace prospects by having a “very useful” and “productive” phone call on Saturday with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated the role of Defense Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in the process.
In an X post, the prime minister noted: “The drafts provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace effort forward to create lasting peace in the region.”
“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” he added.
I congratulate President Donald Trump on his extraordinary efforts to pursue peace and for holding a very useful and productive telephone call earlier today with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Pakistan. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) 24 May 2026
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said a phone call led by US President Donald Trump with the leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan marked “a significant step closer to the shared goal of regional peace, stability and an early diplomatic outcome.” Dar praised Trump’s leadership along with his negotiating team, while also expressing appreciation for the “constructive engagement of the Iranian leadership” in advancing the peace process.
Dar singled out Field Marshal Asim Munir, who he said “played a central role in this entire sensitive and consequential process” and represented Pakistan in Sunday’s discussions, and credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace.” He also acknowledged regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar, saying their support had “contributed meaningfully to this final outcome.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Dar said the country “remains firmly committed to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at lasting peace, mutual respect and regional stability,” adding that “dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over conflict and confrontation for the collective prosperity and security of our region and beyond.”
Today’s important phone call led by President Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump with the leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan marks a significant step closer to the common goal of regional peace, stability and an early…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) 24 May 2026
Meanwhile, Trump wrote on social media that the upcoming deal would reopen the strait, the vital shipping passage whose closure has changed global energy markets since the US and Israel launched the war against Iran in February.
He did not say what else would be included in a deal.
“The final aspects and details of the agreement are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Photo: realDonaldTrump/TRUTH SOCIAL
However, Iranian news agency Dad reported early Sunday that the deal would allow Iran to control the strait and that Trump’s claim about the strait was “inconsistent with reality.”
ceasefire agreement
The United States and Iran are close to signing a 60-day ceasefire extension that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Iran to resume oil sales and creating a window for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, according to a US official familiar with the draft deal. Axios reported.
The proposed agreement, which has not been finalized, could be announced as early as Sunday.
However, officials warned that the deal could still collapse before it is signed.
Read: Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’: Trump
Under the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to pass without tolls, according to Axios.
In return, Washington would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and issue limited sanctions waivers allowing Tehran to sell oil freely for a 60-day period.
A US official described the arrangement as “relief for performance” and said economic relief would follow concrete Iranian steps rather than being given up front.
The draft also includes Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate to suspend uranium enrichment and remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Any broader easing of sanctions or the release of Iranian funds will be discussed during the ceasefire period, but will only be implemented as part of a final, verified agreement.
Additionally, US forces deployed to the region will remain in place during the 60-day period and will only withdraw if a final agreement is reached.
Read more: Iran says US ‘betrayal, contradictions, excessive demands’ disrupt talks
The agreement also appears to be linked to efforts to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns about this state of affairs in a call Saturday with Trump.
A US official said Israel would still be allowed to act if Hezbollah tried to rearm or resume attacks.
Several Arab and Muslim leaders, including officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, have backed the diplomatic effort.
Pakistan has played a key mediating role, with Field Marshal Asim Munir traveling to Tehran in an attempt to help finalize the deal.
The White House hopes the remaining issues can be resolved within hours
But US officials said the ceasefire could end early if Washington concludes Iran is not serious about nuclear talks.
