The United States and Iran are edging toward a temporary agreement to halt their war, sources and officials said on Thursday, with Tehran reviewing a proposal that would stop the fighting but leave the most contentious issues unresolved.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tehran had not yet reached a conclusion on the emerging plan, which according to the sources centres on a short-term memorandum rather than a comprehensive peace deal, underscoring deep divisions between the two sides.
Hopes that even a partial deal could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have already moved markets, with oil prices sliding again on bets that supply disruptions could ease and global stocks largely holding onto record highs.
Tehran and Washington have scaled back ambitions for a sweeping settlement as differences persist, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme – including the fate of its highly enriched uranium stockpiles and how long Tehran would halt nuclear work.
Instead, they are working toward a temporary arrangement set out in a one-page memo aimed at preventing a return to conflict and stabilising shipping through the strait, the sources and officials said.
“Our priority is that they announce a permanent end to war and the rest of the issues could be thrashed out once they get back to direct talks,” a senior Pakistani official involved in mediation between the two sides told Reuters.
The proposed framework would unfold in three stages: formally ending the war, resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and launching a 30-day window for negotiations on a broader agreement, according to the sources and officials.
Tehran said Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held a phone call on Thursday with Ishaq Dar, his counterpart in Pakistan, which has taken a leading role in mediation efforts.
“We remain optimistic,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told a briefing in Islamabad when asked how quickly a deal could come.
“A simple answer would be that we expect an agreement sooner rather than later.”
“We hope that the parties will come to a peaceful, sustainable solution and bring peace to our region and international peace as well.”
Asked during Thursday’s briefing about the reports, Andrabi declined to comment on the substance of any draft document.
“Look, I do not know whether it is a one-page document or a two-page document,” he said. “That would depend on the parties involved as well.”
Meanwhile, Pakisan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who briefed him on his recent visit to China and consultations held there on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the conversation, the two sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
Abbas Araghchi also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the repatriation of Iranian nationals from the seized vessels earlier, and appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and humanitarian support in this regard.
Moreover, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a telephone call from Shiekh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders held a productive exchange of views on the current regional situation.
Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to facilitating ongoing efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, according to a press statement issued by the PM House.
While recalling his recent visit to Doha on 16 April, the prime minister said that his meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the rest of the Qatari leadership was most helpful in forging a consensus for the peace efforts.
The Qatari’s prime minister expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. He assured the prime minister that Qatar would continue to support diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Pakistan to ensure the security and stability of the Middle East. Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on all issues of mutual interest.
Separately, the sources said the memorandum did not mention several key demands Washington has made in the past, which Iran has rejected, such as limits on Iran’s missile programme and an end to its support for proxy militias in the Middle East, including Hezbollah. The sources also made no mention of Iran’s existing stockpile of more than 400 kg (900 pounds) of near-weapons-grade uranium – one of Washington’s central concerns.