Pakistan announces US-Iran peace deal after weeks of high-stakes mediation
Shehbaz Sharif says the US and Iran have reached a peace deal, with a signing ceremony planned in Switzerland and mediators preparing talks this week.
World news from The Thursday Times' foreign desk.
Shehbaz Sharif says the US and Iran have reached a peace deal, with a signing ceremony planned in Switzerland and mediators preparing talks this week.

Trump says US-Iran negotiations are going very well and a deal could come this weekend, while cautioning it might not happen. Talks back on track.

Iranian officials are preparing three days of farewell ceremonies and a 24-hour funeral procession for Ali Khamenei, with events expected in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad.

The EU formally commended Pakistan's Iran mediation, supported Pakistan's Kashmir position, called for action against Afghan terrorist groups and backed a two-state solution for Palestine in joint communiqué. Kallas met PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir.

Iran International reports President Pezeshkian submitted a resignation letter citing IRGC takeover. Iran's presidency denies it. Khamenei is reportedly in seclusion. The US-Iran deal has not been signed. The Thursday Times reports what is known and what remains contested.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visits Islamabad on 1 June 2026 for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, meeting Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership including Field Marshal Munir.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a true friendship is growing between Washington and Pakistan, calling its mediation role an unexpected development and praising Field Marshal Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif directly.

Trump posted US-Iran deal terms from the Situation Room on 29 May. Strait of Hormuz to open. Blockade lifted. Nuclear material to be destroyed. Final determination pending. Pakistan's Ishaq Dar was in Washington meeting Rubio at the same moment. The Thursday Times reports.

Iran's Tasnim News Agency signalled a US-Iran deal may be close, crediting Pakistan's effective efforts. President Pezeshkian also praised Pakistan in an Eid call with PM Shehbaz Sharif.
