US–Iran deal nears final draft as Gulf tensions rise
New Delhi: Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran appear to be moving toward a potential breakthrough, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying a peace agreement is “closer than ever” and could be finalized within 24 hours.
He added that mediators are working on the final wording of what some officials have referred to as the “Islamabad Agreement,” with preparations underway for an electronic signing once consensus is reached.
However, uncertainty remains over the status of the talks. While a senior US official expressed “80–85% confidence” that a deal could be signed within days, Iranian officials pushed back against claims of finalization. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described such reports as “speculation,” insisting Tehran has not made a final decision and accusing Washington of shifting its positions during negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions are still ongoing and suggested any memorandum, if agreed, could be signed digitally in the coming days before a public announcement. Reports also indicate that core issues under negotiation include Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and maritime security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rising Maritime Security Concerns in the Gulf
Tensions in the region continued to escalate at sea. US defense officials said American forces intercepted two Iranian one-way attack drones targeting commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz overnight, though traffic through the waterway reportedly continued without disruption.
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker sailing off the coast of Oman was struck on its port bow by an unidentified projectile. No injuries or environmental damage were reported, and the vessel remained operational as authorities investigated the incident.
Regional Reactions and Strategic Posturing
The evolving diplomatic situation has drawn strong reactions across the region. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel would maintain its security positions in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, and instructed the military to prepare for independent action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure regardless of any US–Iran agreement.
Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he lodged a “strong protest” with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over a reported US Navy strike that allegedly killed three Indian mariners in the Gulf. The Iranian Embassy in India rejected US claims linking an Indian vessel to the Strait of Hormuz incident.
