Egypt throws weight behind Iran-US deal as Pakistan expects accord within 24 hours

CAIRO – 13 June 2026: Egypt threw its weight behind efforts to secure a US-Iran agreement, calling for the opportunity to be seized to end the war, as mediator Pakistan said a deal could be finalized as soon as within 24 hours.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed the latest developments in the US-Iran talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi via phone on Friday.

He reaffirmed Cairo's support for efforts aimed at reaching an agreement that would reduce tensions, bring an end to the conflict, and enhance regional stability.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said three hours ago on X that the two sides are “closer to a peace deal than ever before,” adding that finalization was “expected in the next 24 hours.”

He said Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement immediately afterward, followed by technical-level talks next week.

“We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace,” he wrote.

Egypt said it hopes the current opportunity would be used to resolve outstanding issues and create conditions for a broader process of regional stabilization based on dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes rather than military solutions.

Cairo added that, under directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, it would continue intensive coordination with regional and international partners to help de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue as a pathway toward an agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties.

Abdelatty told his Pakistani counterpart of the importance of maintaining momentum toward an agreement, while Araghchi briefed him on the latest developments in the negotiations, according to the ministry.

The Iranian foreign minister said earlier on Friday that an agreement with the United States “has never been closer,” adding that details would be shared with the public in due course.

Separately, Axios reported that the draft memorandum of understanding under discussion would extend a ceasefire for 60 days, including in Lebanon, during which nuclear negotiations would take place.

The report asserts the text includes a framework for addressing Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, although any steps related to Iran's nuclear program would depend on a subsequent, more detailed agreement.

The diplomatic momentum follows a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with recent US strikes on Iranian sites and Iranian retaliatory attacks across the region.

 

US President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled attacks scheduled on Iran for the third day in a row, asserting that discussions with Tehran “have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.”

He added that discussions and final points “have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.”