The momentum for a peace agreement to conclude the Iran war gained traction as Pakistan, a key negotiator, announced that an agreement appeared to be closer than ever. Iran also expressed optimism about reaching a resolution.
U.S. President Donald Trump shared on social media that the deal was slated for signing the following day, with the aim of reopening the Strait of Hormuz immediately. However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, clarified that while it might not occur the next day, an agreement in the coming days was possible. Both parties were expected to sign electronically.
Trump intended to discuss demining efforts in the Strait of Hormuz during the Group of Seven summit beginning Monday. Iranian state television announced the funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the war’s initial attack, to take place in July. A senior U.S. official indicated that Trump planned meetings with Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on the G7 meeting sidelines to address war de-escalation efforts.
Britain and France, members of the G7, expressed interest in demining support after the conflict paused. The number of mines in the strait, which Iran has controlled, was unclear. The U.S. responded by blockading Iranian ports since the war commenced, affecting oil and natural gas shipments. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 7.
Pakistan Foresees Imminent Agreement
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an expected agreement to end the war within 24 hours. Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed an electronic signing ceremony scheduled for Sunday without further specifics. Sharif informed his Qatari counterpart about the imminent peace deal, confirmed by another statement.
Iran conveyed a hopeful stance but requested more time. Baghaei stated on state television that the possibility of finalizing the memorandum of understanding soon was high. Iran has historically approached negotiations cautiously, citing past talks with the U.S. that led to attacks from the U.S. and Israel. The memorandum focused solely on ending the war, avoiding discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump announced on social media that post-conflict, the U.S. would manage Iran’s enriched uranium. The apparent breakthrough occurred after exchanges of fire between Iran, the U.S., and Israel threatened the existing ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that an agreement had never been closer, which Trump shared on social media. Trump had previously claimed significant negotiation progress, alongside threats to seize Iran’s oil industry.
Khamenei’s Funeral Arrangements
The funeral for Khamenei will span from July 4 to 9, coinciding with Muharram, a mourning period in Shiite Islam. Khamenei’s successor is his son, Mojtaba, who has remained out of the public eye since the war’s onset. Ceremonies will commence in Tehran, proceeding to Qom and Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace. He will be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine, a sacred site for Shiites.
Khamenei reshaped Iran after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death in 1989. He expanded the Shiite clerical class and the Revolutionary Guard, a prominent force targeted by the U.S. and Israel during the war.
Associated Press journalists Magdy and Madhani contributed from Cairo and Washington respectively, with additional input from Michelle L. Price in Washington.
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