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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated United States President Donald Trump for actively engaging in peace prospects by having a “very useful” and “productive” telephone call on Saturday with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz also appreciated the Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir’s role in the process.

In an X post, the prime minister noted, “The discussions provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region.”

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“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” he added.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said a telephone call led by US President Donald Trump with the leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE and Jordan marked “a significant step closer toward the shared objective of regional peace, stability, and an early diplomatic outcome.” Dar praised Trump’s leadership alongside his negotiating team, while also expressing appreciation for the “constructive engagement of the Iranian leadership” in advancing the peace process.

Dar singled out Field Marshal Asim Munir, who he said “played a central role throughout this sensitive and consequential process” and represented Pakistan in Sunday’s discussions, and credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace.” He also acknowledged regional partners including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar, saying their support had “contributed meaningfully to this final outcome.”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Dar said the country “remains firmly committed to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at lasting peace, mutual respect, and regional stability,” adding that “dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over conflict and confrontation for the collective prosperity and security of our region and beyond.”

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Meanwhile, Trump posted on social media that the emerging agreement would reopen the strait, the vital shipping passage ‌whose closure has upended global energy markets since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in February.

He did not say what else would be included in an agreement.

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Photo: realDonaldTrump/TRUTH SOCIAL

However, Iranian news agency Fars reported early on Sunday that the agreement would allow Iran to manage the strait and that Trump’s assertion on the strait was “inconsistent with reality.”

Ceasefire deal

The US and Iran are close to signing a 60-day ceasefire extension that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Iran to resume oil sales and creating a window for negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to a US official familiar with the draft agreement, Axios reported.

The proposed deal, which has not been finalised, could be announced as soon as Sunday.

Officials cautioned, however, that the agreement could still collapse before it is signed.

Read: Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’: Trump

Under the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to pass without tolls, according to Axios.

In exchange, Washington would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue limited sanctions waivers permitting Tehran to sell oil freely during a 60-day period.

A US official described the arrangement as “relief for performance,” saying economic relief would follow concrete Iranian steps rather than be granted upfront.

The draft also includes Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate suspending uranium enrichment and removing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Any broader sanctions relief or unfreezing of Iranian funds would be discussed during the ceasefire period, but would only be implemented as part of a final, verified agreement.

Further, US forces deployed to the region would remain in place during the 60-day period and would withdraw only if a final deal is reached.

Read More: Iran says US ‘betrayals, contradictions, excessive demands’ disrupting talks

The agreement also appears linked to efforts to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns about that condition in a call Saturday with Trump.

A US official said Israel would still be allowed to act if Hezbollah attempted to rearm or resume attacks.

Several Arab and Muslim leaders, including officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, have backed the diplomatic effort.

Pakistan has played a central mediation role, with Field Marshal Asim Munir travelling to Tehran in an attempt to help finalise the deal.

The White House hopes the remaining issues could be resolved within hours

But US officials said the ceasefire could end early if Washington concludes Iran is not serious about nuclear negotiations.