Key facts
- Qatari negotiators are in Tehran to finalize a US-Iran peace deal.
- US President Donald Trump indicated a Sunday signing, but Iran disputes the timeline.
- Iran's Supreme National Council is reviewing the deal framework.
- Israeli air strikes continue in southern Lebanon.
- A defense analyst suggests any Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is unlikely to endure.
Qatari negotiators are in Tehran to finalize a US-Iran peace deal, with US President Donald Trump indicating a potential Sunday signing while Iran disputes the timeline, suggesting the agreement could be signed in the "coming days." The deal framework is reportedly under review by Iran's Supreme National Council, which has not set a fixed timetable for signing.
Reports indicate that the Islamabad memorandum of understanding is closer than ever to finalization. The Qatari delegation's visit, the second in less than a week, suggests ongoing communication and mediation efforts between the two sides. Analysts suggest that Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz is a significant bargaining chip in these negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continue in southern Lebanon, targeting several towns. Defense analysts believe that while Israel might accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah as part of a broader US-Iran agreement, such a truce is unlikely to be lasting. The withdrawal of the Lebanese army from a village near Nabatiyeh has also raised concerns about a potential Israeli advance.
In diplomatic efforts, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan discussed the evolving regional situation and welcomed progress towards a US-Iran understanding. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry noted that Pakistan has been a key mediator in these talks.