Published May 24th, 2026 - 06:32 GMT
Highlights
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Trump’s announcement in a statement posted on X, praising the US president’s diplomatic efforts and commending Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in advancing the talks.
ALBAWABA- US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a comprehensive peace agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” raising prospects for an end to the 2026 conflict and a broader regional de-escalation framework.In a post published on Truth Social, Trump said final discussions were underway regarding a “Memorandum of Understanding of peace,” adding that an official announcement could come soon. A central component of the proposed agreement is expected to include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor for global oil shipments that has faced repeated disruptions during the conflict.Trump said he held a multilateral telephone call with several regional leaders and senior officials, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.He also confirmed a separate conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the talks as having gone “very well.”Although full details of the proposed agreement have not yet been released, diplomatic sources indicate the framework is expected to formalize an extended ceasefire, guarantee freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, and establish phased sanctions relief for Iran. In return, Tehran would reportedly commit to nuclear-related safeguards, regional de-escalation measures, including in Lebanon, and non-interference provisions.The proposed arrangement builds on earlier negotiation frameworks that included the creation of a joint monitoring mechanism and follow-on diplomatic talks aimed at stabilizing the region.I congratulate President Donald Trump on his extraordinary efforts to pursue peace and for holding a very useful and productive telephone call earlier today, with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Pakistan. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 24, 2026 Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary throughout the negotiations, facilitating indirect communication and relaying proposals between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Trump’s announcement in a statement posted on X, praising the US president’s diplomatic efforts and commending Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in advancing the talks.Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host another round of negotiations aimed at securing a lasting regional settlement.The announcement comes amid a fragile ceasefire established in April following months of heightened military confrontation involving US and Israeli operations against Iran that began in February. Negotiations since then have focused on maritime security, nuclear oversight mechanisms, and regional stability, though differences reportedly remain over verification procedures and implementation guarantees.Trump described the emerging agreement as a major diplomatic breakthrough that could strengthen stability in the Middle East and help secure global energy markets. At the same time, international observers continue to monitor developments closely, pending confirmation of a final deal.
