30 Jestha, Kathmandu. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that no peace agreement between the US and Iran will be signed on Sunday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that while the agreement could take place in the coming days, the exact date has not yet been finalized. Earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had claimed the deal could be signed within 24 hours via an online platform.
According to spokesperson Baghaei, the primary goal of the agreement, currently being mediated by Pakistan, is to end the ongoing conflict. There will be no immediate negotiation concerning nuclear issues. Iran has emphasized the need for caution in the process given the US’s frequent shifts in stance.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that both countries have come very close to finalizing the agreement but urged the media to avoid conjecture about the terms. He also dismissed reports suggesting an agreement would be reached in Geneva on June 14. According to available information, this will not be the final peace agreement. Initially, both countries will sign a memorandum of understanding, followed by a 60-day technical negotiation phase to discuss in detail the nuclear program, sanctions relief, and management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions have escalated due to attacks on the Strait of Hormuz and vessels passing through it. Despite ongoing discussions about the potential agreement, disputes over the security and control of the Strait persist. The Iranian military claims full control over the Strait. Foreign Minister Araghchi indicated that post-agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain as it was previously, with potential new regulations and service fees for vessels. The Iranian parliament is drafting new legislation to manage this.
Meanwhile, an attack on an Indian vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz has increased diplomatic tensions. US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran attempted a drone attack on the Indian ship, which was thwarted by US forces. Based on US intelligence reports citing accusations of uranium concealment and internal Iranian conflicts, media outlets have reported that Iran has protected its stockpile of highly enriched uranium at the Esfahan nuclear facility by tunneling and placing explosive mines to prevent US seizure.
There are also internal disagreements within Iran regarding the agreement. Hardliner factions oppose opening the Strait of Hormuz and granting concessions to the US. Top Iranian officials, including the Chief Justice, have expressed distrust toward the US, while religious leaders have warned the negotiating team against acting outside the directives of the country’s supreme leader.
Both countries seek a ‘victory’ from the agreement. Iran expects the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets. However, US Vice President JD Vance and other officials have stated that no economic relief will be granted until Iran fulfills all its obligations. International political analysts observe that both the US and Iran aim to portray this agreement domestically as a win—Trump wants to demonstrate that the Strait of Hormuz is open, while Iran hopes to showcase the lifting of US sanctions. While the White House has expressed confidence in a prompt agreement, doubts persist regarding the terms involved.
