Iran says peace deal with US ‘never been closer’, as Pakistan says final text agreed on

The US and Iran have “never been closer” to a deal on ending the war in the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday, as mediator Pakistan said a final text had been agreed on.

“The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer,” Araghchi wrote on social media, referring to the Pakistani capital which hosted previous US-Iran talks.

“Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content,” he added, after purported details of the accord were published by Iranian media.

“In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course,” Araghchi added.

Expectations have grown in recent days that the two sides are on the verge of an accord, even if tensions and sticking points remain.

“We can confirm that a final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps,” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on social media on Friday.