The Pakistani government announced on Friday that the United States and Iran have agreed to draft a formal deal to end the ongoing war between them. The apparent breakthrough in negotiations comes after three days of intense exchanges of fire between Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier this week.
According to officials in Islamabad, the agreement to begin drafting a peace deal was reached during back-channel talks mediated by Pakistan. The announcement marks a significant shift in the conflict, which has seen escalating military actions across the Middle East.
While details of the proposed deal remain scarce, the Pakistani government expressed cautious optimism that a ceasefire could be achieved in the coming weeks.
The conflict escalated dramatically earlier this week when Iran launched a series of strikes against US and Israeli positions, prompting retaliatory attacks from both nations. The three-day exchange of fire raised fears of a broader regional war, drawing in other powers.
However, the sudden diplomatic move suggests that both sides may be seeking a way to de-escalate.
US officials have not yet confirmed the Pakistani announcement, and Iranian state media has remained silent on the matter. Analysts caution that the situation remains fluid, and any deal would require complex negotiations over key issues such as nuclear capabilities, regional influence, and the status of disputed territories.
The Pakistani government, which has historically maintained close ties with both Washington and Tehran, positioned itself as a neutral mediator. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office released a statement saying that Pakistan would continue to facilitate dialogue and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
The international community has reacted with a mix of hope and skepticism. The United Nations called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, while European Union diplomats welcomed the news but stressed the need for a verifiable and sustainable agreement.
As the world watches, the next steps will be critical. If the draft deal progresses, it could mark the first major step toward ending one of the most dangerous conflicts in the region in recent years.
However, past attempts at negotiation have often collapsed due to mutual distrust and competing demands.