Key facts
- A US-Iran peace agreement is reportedly ready for signatures.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry indicated the deal could be signed in the 'coming days'.
- Israel has continued airstrikes and displacement orders in southern Lebanon.
- Pakistani and Saudi foreign ministers welcomed the progress in US-Iran talks.
- Iranians expressed divided opinions on the likelihood of a lasting ceasefire.
A US-Iran peace agreement is reportedly nearing finalization, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stating it is "ready for signatures" and could be finalized "very shortly." Iran's Foreign Ministry indicated the deal might be signed in the "coming days," though an earlier expectation for Sunday has passed. This development comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, including airstrikes and displacement orders for several towns.
Israeli forces have continued to target Hezbollah positions, with the military reporting the killing of seven Hezbollah fighters over the past week and striking over 70 targets in a single day. Attacks have impacted towns like Tyre, Bir Ayshiyeh, al-Riz, Deir Qanun al-Nahr, Rmeish, and as-Sawana, leading to casualties and injuries. Meanwhile, Iran is preparing for the funeral of Ali Khamenei, and reports suggest that 117 million people are displaced globally due to conflicts.
Regional diplomatic efforts are underway, with Pakistani and Saudi foreign ministers welcoming the progress in US-Iran negotiations and expressing hope for lasting peace. However, skepticism remains in the US regarding the deal's terms and potential for reneging on commitments. Iranians themselves are divided on the prospects of a lasting ceasefire, with some expressing hope and others questioning trust due to past actions. The potential deal's details remain murky, with suggestions it involves a 60-day ceasefire extension in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the US dropping its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran's nuclear program and sanctions remain undecided for a later phase.