Washington (Web Desk): US President Donald Trump stated that a deal with Iran was expected to be formally signed on Sunday and claimed that, once implemented, the Strait of Hormuz would be immediately opened “to all.”
In a post shared on social media on Saturday, he described the prospective agreement as fundamentally different from the Iran deal associated with former President Barack Obama, arguing that the earlier arrangement had created a pathway that could have enabled Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, which he alleged might already have been achieved years ago.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 13, 2026
Trump further asserted that his approach would completely prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capability in any form, including development, purchase, or other procurement methods. He also said that the deal would not involve any transfer of funds between the parties.
He said once circumstances stabilise, steps would be taken to locate and eliminate Iran’s nuclear material, even if it required operations involving advanced military aircraft and targeting deeply buried facilities. He added that the agreement would allow for future cooperation with Iran and broader regional engagement, while also warning that stronger alternatives remained available if the process failed to progress as intended.
Contrary to his statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, as reported by state media, that the signing of the so-called Islamabad memorandum would not take place on Sunday. However, he did not completely dismiss the possibility of a signing in the coming days, noting that the timeline remained uncertain due to hesitation from the other side and urging caution regarding fixed expectations.
A US official, while refraining from confirming any specific date, described the proposed arrangement as “a great deal and a very strong deal,” without elaborating further on timing.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the United States and Iran had reached agreement on a framework for peace following more than three months of conflict and were expected to sign an initial accord within the next 24 hours. He added that Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing of the agreement, after which technical-level discussions would continue in the following week.
He also expressed gratitude to both countries for their continued engagement in the negotiation process and acknowledged support from regional partners, saying that the emerging agreement could lay the foundation for lasting peace.
We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 13, 2026
We would like to thank United States of…
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Iranian state television that Tehran and Washington were close to finalising a memorandum of understanding intended to formalise the ceasefire that ended recent hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Iranian state media reported that the draft agreement emerged from negotiations conducted over the past two months with Pakistan playing a mediating role, following its earlier involvement in brokering the April 8 ceasefire and continued diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a longer-term settlement.