Pakistan, Iran, Qatar 'finalizing' interim deal with US to end war: Sources

Critical phase in Tehran

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshall Asim Munir held separate meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Tehran officials on Saturday as trilateral negotiations with Qatari and American delegations entered a critical phase to secure an interim agreement ending the two-month war, according to multiple government sources. The discussions focus on halting hostilities on all fronts and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Munir, who arrived in the Iranian capital on Friday for his second visit in recent weeks, has maintained telephonic contact with US mediators including Vice President JD Vance at least twice over the past 24 hours, sources told Anadolu. “Pakistani and Qatari delegations are holding consultations with the US and Iranian negotiators to reach consensus on the interim agreement,” one source said, noting that a “major breakthrough” is expected by week's end despite the absence of a final draft.

Draft agreement terms

The proposed temporary settlement includes an immediate cessation of hostilities, the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and commitments to hold nuclear talks within 30 days, according to officials familiar with the discussions. Washington is demanding concrete assurances regarding Iran's nuclear program and shipping security, while Tehran insists these matters be addressed in a second phase of direct negotiations after the interim deal is signed.

Timeline and context

Munir is expected to travel to China within days to join Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and brief him on the negotiations, sources added. The war began on February 28 when US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader, prompting Tehran to retaliate and close the Strait of Hormuz before Pakistan secured a ceasefire on April 8 that President Donald Trump subsequently extended indefinitely.