Pakistan’s Prime Minister Says A “Final, Agreed Upon Text” Has Been Reached, Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi Says The MOU Has “Never Been Closer,” And Trump Says The Deal May Be Signed “Over The Weekend In Europe” With Vice President JD Vance Attending While Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Is Said To Be “Comfortable” With The State Of Negotiations
According to CBS News, CBC News and MS NOW, the United States and Iran signalled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close, with Pakistan’s prime minister announcing that a “final, agreed upon text” had been reached for the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding; the deal brokered by Pakistani mediation to end the conflict that has kept the Strait of Hormuz closed since February 28.
A senior Trump administration official told CBS News that Iran has in principle agreed to a deal that would include the disposal of highly enriched uranium, with a broad commitment on principles now established between both sides. Trump said the agreement could be signed “maybe over the weekend in Europe,” with Vice President JD Vance expected to attend the signing ceremony.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a statement Friday confirming the deal’s proximity: “The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer. Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content.”
A senior administration official separately confirmed to CBS News that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “comfortable” with the state of negotiations. Trump on Truth Social warned representatives “not to rush into a deal” and said “time is on our side.”
Israel has not been included in the negotiations. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel would not be party to the agreement, while Israel’s defence minister stated that Israel would not withdraw and expected to retain freedom to act against threats. Oil prices sank more than 3% on Friday on hopes for a Hormuz reopening, while S&P 500 futures rose 0.6% before the opening bell.
To check out our previous coverage on the US-Iran war, Pakistan’s mediation, and global markets, read our articles here.
