Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday that the United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement, with the signing ceremony scheduled for Friday. The announcement came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon that drew sharp criticism from both Iran and US President Donald Trump.
Peace Deal Details
According to Sharif, the agreement was finalized after weeks of intense negotiations mediated by Pakistan. The deal aims to de-escalate the long-standing conflict between Washington and Tehran, which has fueled instability across the region. The signing ceremony will take place in Islamabad, with both US and Iranian officials expected to attend.
Israeli Strike Complicates Situation
The peace breakthrough occurred despite a fresh Israeli military operation in Lebanon on Sunday. The strike targeted what Israel described as Hezbollah positions, but it drew immediate condemnation from Iran and the Trump administration. President Trump called the strike "unhelpful" and urged restraint, while Iran accused Israel of attempting to sabotage the peace process.
Pakistani officials confirmed that the deal includes provisions for a phased withdrawal of US sanctions on Iran and a commitment by Tehran to halt its nuclear enrichment program. Both sides have agreed to a ceasefire along the Iran-Iraq border and the establishment of a joint security committee.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic victory for Pakistan, which has positioned itself as a mediator between the two adversaries. Sharif praised the efforts of his foreign minister and intelligence agencies in brokering the deal.
International reactions have been mixed. European Union leaders welcomed the news but called for transparency in the implementation. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed cautious optimism, while Israel remained silent on the matter.
The signing on Friday is expected to be a historic moment, though analysts warn that challenges remain, including opposition from hardliners in both countries and the volatile security situation in Lebanon.
