The framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the US and Iran has brought the parties close to the signing stage. However, there is no clarity on when the agreement will be formalized.
US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that the agreement would be signed the next day. Trump also noted that this coincides with his birthday.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that both sides have agreed on a framework for a peace agreement and preparations are underway for an electronic signing on Sunday. Sharif added that technical-level talks will continue next week.
The Iranian side, however, did not confirm the Sunday signing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bekayi advised against commenting on the timing; later, in a statement reflected in state media, he said it would not happen tomorrow but could take place in the coming days.
Following the framework agreement, Trump stated that Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz, reopening this critical route for global oil shipments. The plan envisions opening the strait as the first step, followed by lifting the maritime blockade, and then conducting talks on Iran's nuclear program.
According to a draft based on sources close to the talks, the US would release part of Iran's frozen assets worth billions of dollars and ease sanctions on oil exports in exchange for Tehran opening the strait. Iran's Fars News Agency also reported, citing Bekayi, that releasing frozen assets is a key element of the agreement.
The same report indicates that Iran also wants to charge fees for services provided through the Strait of Hormuz. Bekayi also stated that foreign military bases in the region should be ended.
A 60-day negotiation period is planned for the nuclear dimension of the agreement. A US official said the ultimate goal is to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, including destroying and removing highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
As the process advances, hardline groups within Iran have expressed strong opposition. Demonstrations in Tehran and other cities featured slogans targeting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Meanwhile, while the conflict continues, the US military reportedly shot down numerous Iranian drones heading toward Hormuz.
Israel, stating it is not a party to the agreement, announced it struck more than 70 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in the past 24 hours. This situation shows that military tensions in the region persist even as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
Trump also discussed the agreement efforts during a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Downing Street confirmed the leaders' contact regarding the Iran crisis.
