US-Iran Peace Deal Nears Completion as Tehran Signals Resolve; Israel Intensifies Strikes in Southern Lebanon
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the long-anticipated agreement between the United States and Iran is likely to be finalised within the next 24 hours.
In a post on X, Sharif said that the accord would be followed by the electronic signing of a peace agreement, with technical-level discussions expected to begin next week.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the negotiations, Sharif thanked both Washington and Tehran for their constructive engagement throughout the process.
He also acknowledged the role played by regional nations in facilitating dialogue and supporting diplomatic efforts. According to him, the agreement has the potential to usher in a new era of stability and cooperation across the region.
“We believe this landmark agreement will serve as a solid foundation for enduring peace and regional harmony,” Sharif said.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media has released details of the funeral arrangements for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
The commemorative ceremonies are scheduled to begin in July, with farewell gatherings planned in Tehran on July 13 and 14. Formal funeral rites will take place in Tehran on July 15, followed by ceremonies in Qom on July 16 and Mashhad on July 18.
Khamenei is expected to be buried at the revered Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
In a separate development, senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah Mohsen Araki has called on the country’s negotiating team to remain firmly aligned with the principles and directives established by Iran’s supreme leadership during ongoing talks with the United States.
Speaking to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Araki stressed that Iranian representatives must project confidence and national strength at the negotiating table.
He argued that only through a position of firmness could Tehran ensure that its interests are respected.
Araki also voiced optimism about the prospects of the negotiations, saying that success would be achievable if discussions remain within the framework outlined by the country’s leadership.
His comments come amid growing speculation that both sides could soon reach a memorandum of understanding, with reports suggesting that an agreement may be concluded within the next day.
At the same time, tensions continue to simmer along Israel’s northern border. The Israeli military has claimed that it carried out attacks on more than 70 targets linked to Hezbollah across southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours.
According to the Israeli army, the strikes focused on rocket-launching sites, military facilities and structures allegedly used by the armed group.
Israeli officials further stated that several Hezbollah fighters were killed during the operations, describing the strikes as part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening the organisation’s military capabilities in the region.
The military announcement follows reports that recent Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of at least five people and left a Lebanese soldier wounded.
The Lebanese Armed Forces said the soldier came under attack twice while travelling along the Kfar Reman–Nabatieh road.
According to the Lebanese army, an Israeli drone initially targeted an area near Al-Najda Hospital in Nabatieh, though the soldier escaped injury in that strike. A second drone attack reportedly followed shortly afterwards, leaving him seriously wounded.
Amid the heightened regional tensions, Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to resist external pressure.
Marking the anniversary of last year’s 12-day conflict, he declared that Iran would not retreat from its positions despite mounting challenges.
In a strongly worded statement, Ghalibaf accused both the United States and Israel of targeting civilians during the conflict, claiming that innocent children were among those killed.
He condemned what he described as brutal actions carried out during the war and reiterated Iran’s commitment to defending its national interests.
Honouring those who lost their lives in the conflict, Ghalibaf said the country would continue to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of its fallen citizens.
He emphasised that Iran remains committed to safeguarding its dignity, sovereignty and long-term national objectives.
