United States and Pakistani leaders anticipate a Sunday signing of a framework agreement to end hostilities between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump announced the deal would coincide with his 80th birthday, promising the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil traffic.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Islamabad is preparing for an electronic signing, followed by technical talks. However, Iranian officials cast doubt on the timeline. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated the signing would not occur on Sunday but could happen in the coming days.
The proposed memorandum prioritizes reopening the strategic waterway and lifting the US naval blockade. In exchange, the US plans to release billions in frozen Iranian assets and waive sanctions on oil exports. Nuclear program negotiations are scheduled for a subsequent 60-day period, aiming for the dismantling of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Domestic resistance remains intense. Hardline protesters in Tehran and Mashhad have rallied against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, chanting slogans against compromise with America. Despite the diplomatic push, military tensions persist. US forces recently intercepted Iranian drones near the strait, while Israel continued strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, defying US requests to de-escalate.
Trump discussed the breakthrough with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signaling coordinated G7 support for post-agreement demining efforts. While the framework marks a significant shift, the entrenchment of Revolutionary Guard influence and ongoing regional clashes suggest a fragile path to implementation.