Iran and US Near Ceasefire Deal, Pakistan Mediates

Fri Jun 12 2026 22:24:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Iran and the US are close to a ceasefire deal, with Pakistan acting as mediator amid escalating tensions and contested terms.

Iran's foreign minister announced the deal is almost final, echoing Pakistan’s mediation, while US officials claim terms favor the US. The proposed agreement requires Iran to dismantle nuclear material, lift sanctions, and release assets. Both sides face domestic scrutiny and external pressures, though the US remains cautious about immediate financial benefits for Iran.

Iran and US Near Ceasefire Deal, Pakistan Mediates

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that a deal to end fighting with the United States is “never been closer.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the statement, claiming a final, agreed text has been reached and Pakistan is working closely with both sides to finalize next steps.

US President Donald Trump reposted Araghchi’s statement, urging media not to speculate on the deal’s contents. Trump also declared that scheduled attacks against Iran had been cancelled following a “great settlement” between negotiators.

A large billboard in Tehran — Reuters – A sense of normality has returned to the streets of Tehran since the April ceasefire.

Proposed Deal Details

Iran’s Mehr news agency published terms allegedly including the lifting of the US naval blockade, $300 bn in compensation for damage caused by US and Israeli strikes, and a UN Security Council endorsement of the agreement. The list outlines conditions such as the release of half of Iran’s frozen assets, suspension of oil sanctions and a continued naval blockade lift before negotiations can begin.

US officials say the deal would require Iran to destroy nuclear material and dismantle its nuclear program. Iran expects the agreement to address the future of enriched material, sanctions relief and rebuilding the economy, while avoiding certain regional conflicts.

US Administration Position

A senior US official told reporters that the odds of signing a deal were 80–85%, but that delays stem from internal fractures in Iran’s government. The US stresses that Iran would receive no immediate funds after a memorandum of understanding and that rewards will be performance‑based.

Vice‑President J.D. Vance posted on X noting that Iranian reporting “contains inaccuracies” and that any financial benefits will depend on strict fulfillment of obligations.

Potential Challenges

The deal faces criticism from those who argue Iran’s media coverage is misinformation. The US remains wary of Israel’s possible military actions in Lebanon and believes the agreement will still maintain a right to self‑defence.

Turkey, Israel, and Gulf Cooperation Council members were cited as likely to support the agreement, while Iranian claims of “no cash” will be released conditional upon meeting US demands.