Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the United States and Iran have reached a “framework” for a peace accord to resolve the months of tension and conflict in the Middle East.
Sharif says talks between the two countries have taken a lot, and a final draft of the proposed deal has already been drawn up. Although he said it was still possible to conclude the deal in the next 24 hours in a formal process to be done electronically, whether this is possible remains uncertain at this stage.
Meanwhile, technical level talks are likely to start next week, following the signature of the draft agreement, to discuss issues relating to the implementation, and to ensure smooth execution of the proposed framework, the Pakistan leader had stated.
This is despite the fact that tensions have been kept low in the region while international parties search for diplomatic means to defuse old disputes. But the details of the proposed accord are not yet known, and officials anticipate that it may be a major positive development to regional stability if it comes to fruition.
Sharif’s comments have helped to stir diplomatic discussions, with the United States and Iran engaged in strained relations since they began, with arguments over regional influence, security and other strategic issues.
As yet, neither Washington nor Tehran has made ominously detailed public statements confirming the details of the reported framework. But the announcement has raised hopes that diplomacy may be able to reduce tensions and pave the way for more cooperation in the area.
The developments over the next couple of days will be closely watched as talks move towards a signature and subsequent negotiations.