Summary Iran has ruled out signing of the Islamabad memorandum on Sunday, contradicting earlier reports of an imminent US-Iran peace deal involving Pakistan as mediator.
TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Iran has confirmed that the signing of the Islamabad memorandum will not take place on Sunday, pushing back expectations surrounding a fast-tracked agreement linked to ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking via state media on Saturday, said the exact timing of the signing has not been finalised, while cautioning that a date in the coming days cannot be ruled out. He added that uncertainty remains due to hesitation from the other side, urging restraint in speculating on a definitive schedule.
The clarification comes amid a surge of conflicting statements from multiple stakeholders regarding the status of a proposed US-Iran peace framework, which has been described by some officials as close to completion following months of hostilities. While Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the diplomatic process, Iranian officials have sought to temper expectations over an immediate breakthrough.
Baghaei also stated that Iran’s negotiating team is not planning to travel to Geneva or any other location in the coming days, further signalling that no immediate round of in-person diplomacy is scheduled.
Earlier statements from Pakistani leadership suggested rapid progress in the negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated that the United States and Iran had agreed on a framework for a peace deal after more than three months of conflict, adding that an initial signing could take place within 24 hours, followed by technical-level talks the following week.
Sharif noted that Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing process, describing the developments as the closest the parties had come to an agreement. He also said the arrangement would be followed by structured negotiations aimed at stabilising the broader security situation. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately echoed optimism, suggesting that “positive news” regarding the deal could emerge within two days and confirming Pakistan’s representation at the signing ceremony.
Alongside diplomatic updates, senior Iranian political figures have continued to project a firm stance on the country’s position in the conflict. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, posted remarks marking what he described as a year since the start of initial attacks by US and Israeli forces. He stated that Iran would “stand firm until the end” and referenced continued resistance inspired by what he termed the “martyrs of the 12-Day War”.
یکسال از آغاز اولین دور از حملات جنایتکارانهٔ رژیم اسراییل و آمریکا به خانهٔ ابدی ما ایران میگذرد؛ کودکان بیگناه را به قتل رساندند و از هیچ جنایت و قساوتی پرهیز نکردند.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) June 13, 2026
به تأسی از شهدای قهرمان و مظلوم جنگ ۱۲ روزه، تا پای جان برای سربلندی و پیروزی نهایی ایران عزیز ایستادهایم. pic.twitter.com/JPtrC72koU
His comments come against the backdrop of heightened military and political tensions that have defined the conflict, which escalated after joint strikes and retaliatory actions across the region. The confrontation has involved exchanges of fire across multiple theatres, including the Gulf and the Levant, contributing to wider instability and economic disruption.
Meanwhile, earlier reporting indicated that US and Iranian negotiators had made progress on a draft framework addressing elements of maritime access, sanctions relief, and broader security arrangements. Sources involved in the talks suggested that the proposed memorandum includes provisions linked to reopening key waterways and addressing restrictions on Iranian exports, alongside later-stage discussions on nuclear-related issues.
Iranian officials, however, have maintained that core issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding the country’s nuclear programme and its strategic assets. While some reports suggested potential phased agreements and asset releases, Tehran has continued to emphasise its own conditions and interpretations of any future settlement.
Despite contrasting statements, all sides appear to acknowledge that negotiations remain active, albeit without a confirmed timeline for formal signing.
