Officials from the United States, Iran, and Pakistan voiced optimism on Saturday, May 23, that an agreement to end the continuing war between Washington and Tehran is within reach. Pakistan’s army announced that negotiations over the past 24 hours had produced encouraging progress, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said an agreement could come as early as Saturday. Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed it is finalising a 14-clause memorandum of understanding to serve as an initial framework.
Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, traveled to Tehran on Saturday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials, cementing Islamabad’s role as a key intermediary between the two sides. The Pakistani military issued a statement saying discussions had remained “focused upon expediting the consultative process underway to support peace and stability in the region.”
“Negotiations over the last 24 hours have resulted in encouraging progress towards a final understanding,” the Pakistani army said.
Rubio, speaking to reporters from New Delhi during a visit to India, struck a cautiously optimistic tone. He stopped short of announcing a breakthrough but indicated that active negotiations were underway even as he spoke.
“There might be some news a little later today. There may not be. I hope there will be,” Rubio told reporters. “There’s been some progress made. Even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done.”
He added that a deal could materialise “whether it’s later today, tomorrow, in a couple days.”
In Tehran, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that a memorandum of understanding was being drafted and would function as an initial framework lasting between 30 and 60 days. He described the 14-clause document as covering the Strait of Hormuz, the US naval blockade on Iran, and ending the war “on all fronts,” including Lebanon.
“Our intention was first to draft a memorandum of understanding, a kind of framework agreement composed of 14 clauses,” Baghaei told Iranian state television.
He acknowledged a positive shift in the diplomatic atmosphere but urged caution. “There is a trend towards rapprochement” with Washington, he said, while adding that “it does not necessarily mean that we and the United States will reach an agreement on the important issues.”
Baghaei also clarified that Iran’s nuclear programme would not be included in the initial framework. That subject, he said, would be addressed in separate negotiations at a later stage. The 30-to-60-day period would serve as a window for both sides to work toward a permanent agreement.
The Financial Times reported separately that mediators believe a 60-day ceasefire extension is close to being finalised. According to the FT, the proposal under discussion would include the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and talks on diluting or transferring Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. In exchange, Washington would ease restrictions on Iranian ports, provide sanctions relief, and begin phasing out the freeze on Iranian assets held abroad.
A diplomat quoted by the Financial Times said the agreement was moving in a positive direction. “The deal seems to be going in the right direction. It’s with the Americans now for review,” the diplomat said. “Iranians are likely ready to give more on nuclear energy but won’t do it while the war is ongoing. This deal helps bridge the gap.”
US President Donald Trump told Axios on Saturday that he planned to meet with his negotiators later in the day to review the latest Iranian proposal. He is expected to decide by Sunday whether to accept a deal or escalate military action against Iran, according to Axios. Trump told the outlet he would choose between securing an agreement or “blowing them to kingdom come.”
Regional and Global Impact
A ceasefire deal, even a temporary one, would have immediate consequences for global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded, is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. The Financial Times reported that Gulf economies and Asian importers have already borne significant costs from the blockade. A phased reopening, as described in the proposal, would affect oil supply chains across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Lebanon’s inclusion in the framework’s scope, as outlined by Baghaei, suggests the proposed deal extends beyond a bilateral US-Iran arrangement. Any agreement touching on Lebanon would have direct implications for Israeli security calculations and the political situation in Beirut.
Pakistan’s active mediating role further elevates Islamabad’s regional standing. Field Marshal Munir’s direct visit to Tehran signals that Pakistan has become a formal channel between two parties that do not hold direct diplomatic talks.
Background
The United States and Iran have been at war following a period of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional proxy activities. A ceasefire has been in place, though its duration and conditions have remained contested. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil trade passes, has been a central point of dispute, with Iran restricting shipping as a pressure tool. Washington has maintained a naval blockade and kept Iranian assets frozen abroad. Pakistan, which shares borders with Iran and maintains ties with both Tehran and Washington, emerged as a mediator as direct US-Iran diplomatic channels remained closed.
What Happens Next
President Trump is expected to examine Iran’s latest proposal with his negotiating team on Saturday and indicate a decision by Sunday, according to Axios. If accepted, both sides would move toward signing a memorandum of understanding covering an initial 30-to-60-day ceasefire period. The Financial Times reported that mediators anticipate a 60-day extension, during which negotiations on a permanent agreement would continue. Iran’s nuclear programme would be addressed in a separate, subsequent round of talks, Baghaei confirmed. The gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, along with phased sanctions relief and the release of Iranian assets, would follow under the terms of the proposed deal, the FT reported.
