The United States and Iran are nearing an agreement aimed at resolving the conflict, as per information from two regional officials and a diplomat on Saturday. The US is considering potential strikes against Iran while progress has been reported in talks between the two nations following discussions involving Pakistan’s army chief in Tehran.
Both sides are optimistic about finalizing a Pakistan-drafted document within the next 48 hours. The involvement of US Vice President JD Vance, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has been crucial in bridging the remaining gaps. Qatar also played a significant role by sending a senior official to Tehran to support Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
US President Donald Trump maintained a low profile at the White House on Saturday, refraining from active social media engagement. Despite this, both Iran and the US have emphasized their positions and warned against the risks of renewed hostilities that could disrupt the existing ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the US stance that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, must relinquish its highly enriched uranium, and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. Iran, through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, described the draft as a “framework agreement” and emphasized the need to address key issues to bring an end to the conflict.
Baghaei highlighted that discussions include the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides moving closer to each other in recent days. Iran’s focus is currently on resolving the conflict before addressing nuclear matters, with an emphasis on ending hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf mentioned Iran’s readiness to respond firmly if Trump resumes attacks, emphasizing the nation’s enhanced military capabilities. The conflict began with strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, leading to tensions that disrupted nuclear negotiations with Iran and resulted in economic repercussions due to the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The US enforced a blockade on Iranian ports, diverting over 100 commercial vessels and disabling four since the blockade’s initiation in mid-April. Pakistan’s army chief engaged in discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran to facilitate further negotiations and potentially broker direct talks.
Efforts are ongoing to clarify the involvement of key figures like Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in shaping Iran’s negotiating stance. The situation remains fluid as both sides work towards a resolution to the conflict.