US-Iran Deal Could Be Signed in 24 Hours: Pakistan
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- Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif said the U.S. and Iran are "closer to a peace deal than ever before," with finalization expected within 24 hours, followed by electronic signing and technical-level talks next week.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei pushed back on the 24-hour timeline, saying the signing "will not be tomorrow" but could happen "in the coming days," citing "the hesitation of the other side."
- A senior Trump administration official estimated an 80-85% chance the memorandum of understanding will be signed — up from 75% that morning — but stressed it is "not 100%," citing Iran's "very complicated" system and internal regime fractures.
- The draft memorandum includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, steps to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, ending Iran's funding of regional violence, and an inspection regime, with eased sanctions and unfrozen assets tied to compliance.
- Trump reposted Sharif's remarks on Truth Social without comment, then attacked public reporting on the deal's terms, claiming 14 purported provisions reported by Iran's Mehr News Agency have "NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing."
- Israel is expected to "get on board" per the U.S. official, despite Defense Minister Israel Katz stating Israel will not withdraw forces from Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, or the northern West Bank.
Why it matters: Sharif's 24-hour timeline clashes with the senior U.S. official's 80-85% confidence (not 100%) and Iran's own "not tomorrow" caution. If signed, Iran gets sanctions relief and unfrozen assets in exchange for nuclear inspections and an inspection regime, while Israel faces a deal its defense minister has already publicly rejected.
