A proposed peace deal between the United States and Iran appears closer than ever, with US President Donald Trump and Pakistani officials suggesting that an agreement could be finalized soon. The development comes amid continued tensions in the Middle East, including fresh exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. According to reports, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a peace agreement could be finalized within 24 hours, followed by an electronic signing ceremony and technical-level talks focused on Iran's nuclear programme. Trump Confident Deal Will Be Signed Donald Trump expressed confidence that the agreement would be signed soon and indicated that one of its immediate outcomes could be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. The US President stated that restoring safe passage through the waterway remains a top priority, given its importance to global oil and gas supplies. Iran Remains Cautious Despite optimistic statements from Washington and Islamabad, Iranian officials have urged caution. Iran's Foreign Ministry said that while progress has been made, no final signing date has been officially confirmed. Tehran stressed that negotiations remain ongoing and that all parties must wait for the final details before announcing a breakthrough. However, Iranian officials acknowledged that a deal in the coming days remains possible. What Is in the Proposed Agreement? According to reports, the draft framework includes: Release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets Gradual easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz A 60-day negotiation process on Iran's nuclear programme Enhanced international inspection mechanisms The nuclear issue remains one of the most sensitive aspects of the negotiations. Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Issue The future of the Strait of Hormuz continues to be a major sticking point. Iran has maintained tight control over the strategic waterway during the conflict, while the United States has pushed for unrestricted international navigation. The route is vital because a significant portion of the world's energy exports passes through it. Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Continue Even as peace talks progress, regional tensions remain high. Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire on Sunday, with Hezbollah reportedly launching drones toward Israeli territory. Israel responded by targeting what it described as a Hezbollah command centre in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would not tolerate attacks directed at its territory. G7 Discussions Expected The issue is expected to feature prominently at the upcoming G7 Summit, where leaders may discuss international efforts to secure shipping routes and assist with demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom and France have reportedly indicated their willingness to participate in such efforts once hostilities subside. What Happens Next? If the agreement moves forward, technical negotiations are expected to continue for several weeks, focusing primarily on Iran's nuclear programme and long-term regional security arrangements. For now, the world is watching closely as diplomats attempt to convert months of negotiations into a formal peace accord.
