In a major diplomatic development that could significantly ease tensions in West Asia, the United States and Iran are reportedly close to announcing an interim peace agreement after weeks of high-level negotiations and backchannel discussions.
According to senior diplomatic sources, officials from both countries have finalised the draft of a proposed agreement, with a joint announcement from Washington and Tehran expected within the next 24 hours.
The breakthrough comes after a period of escalating tensions that had raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and Qatar are believed to have played a crucial role in bringing both sides to the negotiating table and helping conclude the preliminary framework.
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Senior officials led final negotiations
Sources familiar with the discussions said the agreement was shaped through direct coordination between top officials from both countries.
On the Iranian side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly oversaw the legal and political aspects of the draft. Representing the United States, Vice President JD Vance, White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Special Representative Jared Kushner were actively involved in the final round of discussions and approval process.
Officials said the negotiations focused on creating a framework acceptable to both governments while preventing further escalation in the region.
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Interim agreement to focus on immediate de-escalation
The proposed arrangement is not expected to be a permanent peace treaty. Instead, it is being described as a temporary agreement aimed at halting active hostilities and creating space for broader negotiations.
Under the reported framework, the US and Iran would enter a 30-to-60 day negotiation period during which both sides would avoid military escalation and continue diplomatic engagement.
One of the key provisions reportedly includes keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for international trade and commercial shipping, without disruptions or restrictions. In exchange, the United States is expected to provide limited and conditional relief related to certain Iranian banking assets.
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Diplomatic teams are also expected to use the negotiation window to address more sensitive issues, including Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and long-term regional security arrangements.
Global attention on expected announcement
Speculation surrounding the possible agreement intensified after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to New Delhi, stated publicly that ‘some work is being done’ and suggested that a significant development could emerge soon.
While officials caution that last-minute objections from hardliners on either side remain possible, international observers are closely watching developments, as the expected announcement could mark a major turning point in efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
First published on: May 24, 2026 06:34 AM IST
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