US, Iran weighing short-term deal to end war, Pakistan signals progress

The US and Iran are reviewing a draft memorandum centred on immediate de-escalation. The move could pause the conflict, but sanctions, uranium and regional disputes remain unresolved.

In Short

• US and Iran test short-term deal to stop fighting, deeper issues unresolved
• Plan focusses on a ceasefire, then 30-day talks for broader agreement
• The draft leaves uranium stockpile control and missile issues unaddressed

After weeks of threats and mixed signals, the US and Iran are now testing a narrow path for a short-term deal that could stop the fighting without resolving the deeper issues that started it. The plan shows how much expectations have narrowed. Instead of trying to settle every dispute, both sides are now focused on stopping the fighting first, while disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme are still unresolved, according to Reuters.

As per the latest proposal, both sides would first stop the fighting and ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, before moving into a 30-day period of talks for a broader deal. "Our priority is that they announce a permanent end to war and the rest of the issues could be thrashed out once they get back to direct talks," a senior Pakistani official involved in mediation told Reuters.

Foreign ministers from both countries have been in contact, and Islamabad has signalled optimism. "We remain optimistic," Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said. "A simple answer would be that we expect an agreement sooner rather than later."

TRUMP PUSHES OPTIMISM, IRAN HOLDS BACK

US President Donald Trump has continued to project confidence despite repeated setbacks. "They want to make a deal... it's very possible," he said, adding later that "it’ll be over quickly."

But Tehran’s response has been more cautious. Iranian officials have indicated they are still reviewing the proposal. Iran’s leadership has also linked any broader settlement to issues beyond the immediate ceasefire, including relief from sanctions and an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

CORE ISSUES STILL UNRESOLVED

Despite momentum, the proposed deal leaves major questions unanswered. The draft does not settle long-standing US demands for Iran to curb its nuclear programme or clarify the future of Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile. It also avoids contentious topics such as Iran’s missile programme and its support for regional proxy groups.

However, Trump said the US would get enriched uranium from Iran. "We're going to get it," Trump told a reporter. One of Trump's main objectives in launching military strikes against Iran was to ensure Tehran does not develop a nuclear weapon. Iran has yet to hand over more than 900 pounds (408 kg) of highly enriched uranium.

On the ground, tensions are still high. Israel has continued strikes inside Lebanon, including an attack in Beirut that it said killed a Hezbollah commander. Iran, meanwhile, has also tightened its grip over shipping in the Strait, enforcing a naval blockade.

Since early April, the ceasefire has mostly held. However, previous negotiations collapsed with agreements, and major gaps still exist. If speeches alone could end conflicts, Trump's war with Iran would likely have ended weeks ago. Instead, the conflict has stretched far beyond expectations. The US President is still struggling to find a clear exit from a war that was started under his direction along with his close ally Israel.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies