Regional officials say the United States and Iran are on the verge of a landmark memorandum of understanding that could bring an end to the ongoing war.
Iran has signalled that differences with Washington are narrowing, following mediation efforts led by Pakistan’s army chief in Tehran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in India, confirmed that “progress has been made” and hinted that “there may be news later today.”
According to two officials and a diplomat, both sides are reviewing a draft agreement prepared by Pakistan, with hopes of a final decision within 48 hours.
US Vice President JD Vance, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has played a key role in closing gaps, while Qatar has supported mediation by dispatching a senior official to Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the draft as a “framework agreement” designed to end the imposed war, with details to be finalised over 30 to 60 days.
He confirmed that sanctions relief and the Strait of Hormuz are central issues, whereas nuclear matters remain outside the current talks.
Positions have moved closer in recent days, Baghaei said, though both sides continue to warn of the risks of renewed attacks.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, cautioned that any resumption of US strikes would bring “more crushing and more bitter” consequences.
The negotiations come after months of escalating conflict. The war began on February 28, when US and Israeli attacks cut short talks with Tehran.
Iran retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz on March 1, which disturbed global energy and trade flows. The US responded with a naval blockade later in March, turning away more than 100 commercial vessels and disabling four since April 13.
Pakistan’s army chief has met with senior Iranian leaders, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, as Islamabad pushes for a second round of direct US–Iran talks.
Despite fragile ceasefires and continued military build-up, officials on both sides now see an opportunity for a breakthrough that could affect the region’s future.