ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that Iran and the United States are closer than ever to signing a peace agreement, with negotiations entering their final stage.In a post on X, Sharif expressed optimism that a breakthrough was imminent and said the agreement could be finalized within the next 24 hours."We are closer to a peace deal than ever before," he wrote.Electronic signing being preparedSharif said Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement immediately after its finalization.He added that technical-level discussions are expected to begin next week to address implementation mechanisms and other related issues.The Pakistani premier also thanked both Washington and Tehran for their continued engagement in the negotiations.Pakistan, Switzerland welcome progressSeparately, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held his second phone call in less than 24 hours with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the two ministers welcomed what they described as encouraging progress toward an understanding between the United States and Iran.Both sides expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would soon contribute to peace and stability across the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact.Geneva signing under discussionThe latest conversation followed reports that a potential agreement could be signed in Geneva.Cassis had previously praised Pakistan's mediation efforts during a call with Dar on Friday, highlighting Islamabad's role in facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran.Pakistan has played a central role in mediation efforts since helping broker a ceasefire in April.Final text already agreedOn Friday, Sharif announced that the United States and Iran had reached agreement on the final text of a pact aimed at ending the conflict.He said Islamabad was working closely with both governments to complete the remaining procedural steps and reiterated that "peace has never been this close."The developments follow comments by Donald Trump, who said Thursday that he had canceled planned airstrikes against Iran because negotiations had advanced significantly.Media reports have also suggested that US Vice President JD Vance could travel to Europe to participate in a potential signing ceremony.