The push for a peace agreement to end the conflict in Iran gained traction on Saturday. Pakistan, a key mediator, announced that a deal was closer than ever. Iran also voiced optimism, giving some of its most hopeful statements so far. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on social media that the deal was ‘scheduled to get signed tomorrow,’ and that the Strait of Hormuz would open immediately. However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, specified that although the signing might not happen tomorrow, it could occur in the coming days. Both parties are expected to sign electronically.
Meanwhile, Trump plans to discuss demining the Strait of Hormuz during the upcoming Group of Seven summit. Additionally, Iran’s state-run television announced that funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial attacks of the war, are set for July. A senior U.S. official informed journalists, under anonymity due to White House protocols, that Trump seeks to meet with leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on the G7 sidelines to strategize on concluding the war.
G7 countries, Britain and France, have shown interest in supporting demining efforts once hostilities pause. However, the extent of mines in the Strait, a critical chokepoint now under Iranian control since early in the war, remains unknown. As the conflict pressed on, U.S. forces initiated a blockade of Iranian ports in retaliation. A tentative ceasefire has been in place since April 7.
Pakistan’s Optimism Over Peace Talks
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that a deal to end the conflict could be finalized within twenty-four hours. Pakistan’s foreign ministry highlighted that an electronic signing ceremony is planned for Sunday, without sharing further details. Sharif informed his Qatari counterpart that a peace agreement was nearly ready for the parties to endorse.
Iran expressed cautious optimism, indicating more time might be necessary. Baghaei stated that the chance of finalizing the memorandum of understanding soon is high. Previously, Iran has approached negotiations with caution, citing past discussions with the U.S. that ended with attacks by the U.S. and Israel. Baghaei noted that the memorandum currently focuses on ending the conflict and excludes discussion on nuclear issues.
The Iranian nuclear program, along with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, has been a persistent concern for both the U.S. and Israel. Trump suggested on social media that once peace is restored, the U.S. would take steps to ‘downblend and destroy’ the enriched uranium located in Iran or the U.S. The recent advancement followed exchanges of fire between Iran and the U.S. and Israel earlier in the week, which risked ending the ceasefire and reigniting hostilities in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared on X that an agreement ‘has never been closer.’ Trump, who has repeatedly claimed progress towards an agreement, echoed Araghchi’s sentiment on social media. Previously, Trump highlighted progress in talks, hours following a threat to target Iran’s oil industry.
Khamenei’s Funeral Arrangements
The funeral events for Khamenei are scheduled from July 4 to 9, aligning with Muharram, a traditional mourning period in the Shiite Muslim calendar. Khamenei will be succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, known for being less compromising and remaining out of public view since the conflict began.
Funeral ceremonies will commence in Tehran, followed by Qom, a Shiite clerical hub, then continue to Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace. His burial will take place at the Imam Reza Shrine, the most revered site for Shiite devotees. Khamenei reshaped the Islamic Republic post-1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the overthrow of the shah and established clerical rule in Iran. Khamenei’s tenure outlasted Khomeini’s, expanding the Shiite clerical class and transforming the Revolutionary Guard into an influential paramilitary and economic force responsible for the nation’s ballistic missile program—a principal target for Israel and the U.S. during the conflict.
Reports by Magdy from Cairo and Madhani from Washington. Contributions by Michelle L. Price in Washington.