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13 days · 11 summary articles
A breakthrough in the Iran-US war appeared within reach on Friday as Pakistan’s prime minister announced that Washington and Tehran had agreed on a final text to end two months of hostilities, even as fresh fighting erupted near the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on X that “a final, mutually agreed text of the peace agreement has been reached,” warning that misinformation campaigns threatened to derail the process as Islamabad finalised implementation details . A senior US administration official separately told France 24 that both sides had agreed on a text and Washington expected to sign an initial deal “in the coming days” . US President Donald Trump welcomed a social media post by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as “very positive,” adding that a deal could be finalised “as early as the weekend” .
Yet the fragile momentum was tested within hours when US Central Command said it had downed multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, the latest in a series of escalations that have kept regional tensions at flashpoint levels . The Strait, through which a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passes, remains a critical flashpoint; CENTCOM’s statement followed weeks of halting talks mediated by Pakistan .
Diplomatic sources cited by *Libération* said the draft accord envisages a 60-day negotiation period to formalise a ceasefire and open the Strait, with Iran’s uranium stockpile remaining a sticking point . German outlet *Handelsblatt* reported that while a deal now seems tangible, Tehran’s nuclear programme continues to complicate negotiations .
The juxtaposition of diplomatic breakthroughs and renewed military action underscores the fragility of the moment. Pakistan’s mediation, welcomed by both capitals, has provided the clearest signal yet that an end to the conflict is possible—but the Strait of Hormuz remains a powder keg that could yet unravel the process.