Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a deal to end the war between Iran and the U.S.-led coalition is closer than ever, with an electronic signing expected within 24 hours. This was followed by technical-level talks scheduled for next week.
Funeral for Khamenei Scheduled for July
Iran's state television reported that funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will take place in July. The events, including burial and farewell, are set between July 4 and 9, coinciding with Muharram, a traditional mourning period in Shia Islam.
Khamenei was killed in the initial attack of the war launched by Israel and the United States against Iran in late February. He has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, who is perceived as even less willing to compromise.
War Deal Imminent, Says Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism that an agreement to end the conflict is closer than ever before and expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan is preparing for an electronic signing, followed by technical-level talks next week.
In a social media post, Sharif thanked the United States and Iran for their commitment during negotiations and expressed appreciation for regional support.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment, while Iran urged caution. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that while an agreement may not happen tomorrow, it could occur in the coming days. He added that the Islamabad memorandum focuses on ending the war and currently excludes discussions on Iran's nuclear program.
Iran's nuclear program and its enriched uranium have long been a source of tension with the U.S. and Israel, raising international concerns.
Regional Officials Expect Signing Soon
Three regional officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, indicated that a signing ceremony is expected in the coming days after approval from Washington and Tehran.
The breakthrough comes after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel earlier in the week, threatening a fragile ceasefire and risking a return to full-scale war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that an agreement has never been closer, and President Donald Trump shared the post, claiming significant progress.
The war has disrupted the Middle East, with Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz halting oil and gas shipments from the Persian Gulf, and the U.S. blockading Iranian ports. A ceasefire has been in place since April 7.
Khamenei to Be Buried at Holiest Shiite Shrine
The funeral ceremonies for Khamenei will begin in Tehran, move to Qom, a center for senior Shiite clerics, and then to Mashhad, his birthplace. He will be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine, the holiest site for Shiite Muslims.
Funerals for Khamenei's daughter and son-in-law, also killed in the February strike, will occur on the same day.
Khamenei reshaped the Islamic Republic after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. He expanded the Shiite clerical class and built the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into a key pillar of his rule, making it a military and economic powerhouse and the overseer of Iran's ballistic missile arsenal.
