Pakistan Advances Mediation Efforts as US-Iran Peace Framework Takes Shape

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Washington and Tehran have entered a critical phase, with Pakistani intermediaries pushing both parties toward a settlement framework.

A Pakistani security official disclosed to Reuters on Saturday that negotiators are putting final details into a memorandum of understanding intended to bring an end to hostilities. This development comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to meet with his negotiating team to evaluate Iran's latest proposal.

Trump indicated to Axios that he will make a determination by Sunday regarding whether to pursue an agreement with Iran or escalate military operations. He characterized the prospects of securing a "good agreement" or returning to military strikes as nearly balanced. "Either we make a good deal, or we hit them with unprecedented force," Trump stated.

Pakistani Army Commander Field Marshal Asim Munir departed Tehran on Saturday following discussions with Iranian leadership as part of the mediation initiative. While Pakistan acknowledged that a final accord has not yet materialized, officials characterized the talks as showing "encouraging progress towards a final understanding."

The draft proposal under Trump's review reportedly emerged from the Iranian-Pakistani negotiations, according to available reports.

Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran and Washington have reached the concluding phase of discussions on a memorandum of understanding to terminate the war. A ministry spokesman elaborated that the framework would encompass the gradual restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, removal of American sanctions, and unfreezing of Iranian assets. Following initial agreement, a negotiation period spanning 30 to 60 days would pursue a comprehensive settlement, the spokesman indicated.

Trump has emphasized that any agreement must address fundamental concerns including uranium enrichment capabilities and the disposition of Iran's current nuclear material stockpile. However, reporting suggests these nuclear issues may not receive comprehensive resolution within the currently proposed memorandum, which primarily targets war cessation and establishing grounds for subsequent negotiations.

Israeli leadership has expressed significant reservations about the emerging agreement framework. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials are advocating for additional military operations, according to Israeli sources.

Substantial differences between Washington and Tehran persist on nuclear matters and Strait of Hormuz access, complications that could remain unresolved even if an initial peace memorandum is finalized.