Momentum Builds for Ending Iran War
The momentum for a resolution to the Iran war increased significantly as Pakistan, a crucial mediator, indicated that a deal is near completion. On Saturday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that an agreement is closer than ‘ever before,’ and U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a formal signing scheduled for Sunday, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would promptly reopen.
Despite these optimistic views, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, offered a cautious perspective. While he acknowledged the possibility of a breakthrough soon, he pointed out that signing may not occur immediately, though it remains likely within the coming days.
Each party involved is expected to sign the agreement electronically. As discussions continue, President Trump plans to address demining the Strait of Hormuz during the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit, which begins on Monday. The summit provides an opportunity to engage with leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates about measures to cease the conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state television announced funeral arrangements for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the onset of the war. These events are scheduled in July.
Both Britain and France, G7 members, have shown interest in aiding the demining process once the war halts. However, details on the number of mines remain unclear. Iran’s control over the Strait since the war’s inception has obstructed oil and natural gas shipments originating from the Persian Gulf. In response, the U.S. has enforced blockades on Iranian ports.
Ceasefire and Peace Deal Progress
A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7, with expectations of reaching a final agreement soon. Prime Minister Sharif stated that the electronic signing ceremony is slated for Sunday, though finer points were not disclosed.
Sharif communicated to his Qatari counterpart that a peace deal is nearly ready for signatures by those involved. Although Iran has shown hope, more time might be necessary to finalize terms. Baghaei conveyed, through state television, the likelihood of completing the memorandum of understanding soon.
Past negotiations, particularly the ones with the U.S. last year, faced challenges, ending in hostile actions from the U.S. and Israel. Currently, the memorandum focuses solely on concluding the war, with no discussions on Iran’s nuclear program — which has historically been a point of friction.
Trump stated on social media that following peace, the U.S. plans to ‘downblend and destroy’ Iran’s enriched uranium either within Iran or the U.S.
Recent Escalations and Optimistic Outlook
The promising signs follow recent exchanges of fire between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, which jeopardized the ceasefire. Despite tensions, progress was achieved, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posting on X about the closeness of an agreement.
On Thursday, Trump announced significant negotiation progress, following his threat to seize Iran’s oil industry.
Funeral Plans for Ayatollah Khamenei
Preparations for Khamenei’s funeral will span from July 4 to 9, coinciding with Muharram, a mourning period in the Shiite Muslim calendar. His burial is planned at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, a revered site for Shiite Muslims.
Khamenei’s leadership significantly shaped the Islamic Republic post-1989 after the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the transformation of Iran’s governance. Khamenei not only expanded the influence of Shiite clerics but also grew the Revolutionary Guard into a major military and economic force, pivotal to his reign.
The Guard’s prominence has made it a target for U.S. and Israeli military efforts during the conflict.
Reporters Magdy and Madhani provided updates from Cairo and Washington, with contributions from Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in Washington.