Islamabad/Tehran, June 14, 2026: A Pakistan-mediated diplomatic initiative aimed at ending months of tensions between the United States and Iran appeared to move closer to fruition on Sunday, although Tehran said it was still reviewing the final terms of a proposed memorandum of understanding and had not yet made a definitive decision.
A source familiar with the negotiations told Iran’s Fars News Agency that Tehran was continuing to assess the political, legal and technical dimensions of the proposed agreement.
“Iran has not yet announced its final decision on the proposed memorandum of understanding,” the source said, adding that consultations were ongoing at both expert and decision-making levels.
The development comes after US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement with Iran was expected to be signed on Sunday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government has played a central mediating role between Washington and Tehran, also expressed optimism that the deal could be finalized within 24 hours.
However, Iranian officials cautioned against expectations of an immediate signing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that while an agreement was not expected to be signed on Sunday, it could be concluded in the coming days.
Pakistan’s mediation efforts
Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary in efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. The talks have focused on ending hostilities, reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, and creating a framework for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, substantial progress has already been made, with Iranian officials indicating that much of the proposed text has been agreed upon. Tehran has nevertheless accused Washington of slowing negotiations through changing positions and inconsistent messaging.
The proposed framework is expected to prioritize the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies transit. Subsequent negotiations would focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security concerns.
Regional support grows
Regional countries have welcomed the progress in negotiations. Qatar and Kuwait have publicly endorsed ongoing diplomatic efforts and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
A Qatari delegation led by an adviser to the country’s foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Sunday to hold consultations with Iranian officials regarding the status of the negotiations. Iranian media reported that both sides reviewed developments in the diplomatic process, although details of the discussions were not disclosed.
Diplomatic support for the talks reflects growing regional interest in preventing further escalation and restoring stability in the Gulf.
Hardline opposition persists
Despite diplomatic momentum, opposition to the proposed agreement remains visible within Iran. Demonstrations by hardline groups were reported in Tehran and other cities, with some protesters criticizing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi for engaging with Washington.
Analysts note that while the recent conflict significantly damaged Iran’s military infrastructure, it also reinforced the influence of hardline factions within the country, creating additional political challenges for negotiators.
Security tensions continue
The diplomatic breakthrough comes against a backdrop of continued regional instability. The United States and Iran remain engaged in military and security confrontations, while Israel has continued operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich renewed calls for a forceful response to attacks originating from Lebanon, while the Israeli military reported rocket launches and drone activity along the northern border.
The continuing hostilities underscore the urgency of diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions across the Middle East.
Economic stakes
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most significant elements of the proposed agreement. Sources indicate that the framework could include the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the strategic waterway and initiating further talks.
Iranian officials have stressed that any final agreement must address economic concerns and provide guarantees regarding the country’s financial interests.
Cyberattack hits Iranian banks
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities reported that a cyberattack disrupted services at four major banks on Sunday. Officials said the attack targeted a shared communications infrastructure used by several state-owned financial institutions.
The Banking Coordination Council stated that no customer information had been compromised and that restoration efforts were underway.
Tehran marks anniversary of 2025 war
Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian marked the first anniversary of the 12-day conflict with Israel by praising national unity and resilience.
In a message carried by state media, Pezeshkian said the war demonstrated the determination of the Iranian people and highlighted the importance of maintaining national cohesion, strengthening defensive capabilities and preparing for future challenges.
As diplomatic efforts continue, regional and international observers are closely watching whether the Pakistan-facilitated negotiations can culminate in a formal agreement that could ease one of the most consequential geopolitical crises in the Middle East.
