The United States and Iran are expected to hold a virtual meeting on Sunday to electronically sign a memorandum of understanding extending the current ceasefire by 60 days, according to Axios. The deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, with Pakistani and Qatari mediators facilitating the process.
The pending agreement caps nearly three months of talks involving mediators from Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on X that Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing, calling it a historic step toward a peace deal.
The MOU aims to end the regional war and potentially stabilize global energy markets by restoring access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Technical-level talks are expected to follow the signing next week.
“We are closer to a peace deal than ever before,” Sharif wrote, adding that finalization is expected within 24 hours. The Pakistani foreign ministry later confirmed the virtual ceremony is scheduled for Sunday.
A senior U.S. official cautioned that negotiations remain fragile and that the deal's implementation depends on continued compliance from both sides. Skeptics warn that previous ceasefires in the region have collapsed due to mutual mistrust.