ISLAMABAD (AP) — Iran and the United States are moving closer to a deal aimed at ending the Iran war, with Qatari mediators traveling to Tehran on Sunday to finalize the agreement. Two regional officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed cautious optimism that a resolution may be at hand, one that could halt hostilities responsible for thousands of deaths and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been a focal point in global market instability.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the deal could potentially be signed on Sunday, although Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei indicated that it may occur in the coming days. Trump assured that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately following the signing of the agreement.

The anticipated deal is reportedly to be signed electronically, with no in-person ceremony planned, although details on the signing process remain unclear. It is important to note that while this deal represents progress, it does not address some of the most contentious issues between the U.S. and Iran, such as Iran's nuclear program and frozen assets. The agreement includes a 60-day framework for technical discussions on these topics, as stated by officials familiar with the ongoing negotiations. Reports indicate that Pakistan has played a crucial role in mediating talks, often preventing both parties from abandoning negotiations.

Current discussions suggest that the U.S. and Israel may not achieve their original objectives of dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities or ceasing Iran’s support for regional proxies. It remains ambiguous whether these concerns will be included in the final agreement.

As negotiations continue, Trump is expected to bring up demining the Strait of Hormuz during the upcoming Group of Seven summit. This waterway is crucial for the transportation of significant amounts of oil, natural gas, and related products. The closure of the Strait has had considerable repercussions on the global economy.

Recent events have escalated tensions, with Iran exchanging fire with U.S. and Israeli forces just days prior, raising fears of a breakdown in the ceasefire that has been maintained since April 7. Iran's nuclear program continues to be a source of international concern, as it has produced 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a step away from weapons-grade levels.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and has not committed to relinquishing its enriched uranium, which is believed to be stored across several damaged nuclear sites. In response to claims of potential de-escalation, Trump suggested that once stability is restored, efforts will be made to "downblend and destroy" the enriched uranium.

Moreover, fighting persists in Lebanon, where tensions between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah continue despite an ongoing ceasefire. Iran is advocating for the inclusion of Lebanon in any ceasefire deal and is also seeking the release of billions in frozen assets.

The current framework of the deal has reportedly disappointed Israel's government, which finds itself sidelined in negotiations predominantly led by Pakistan and other regional players. Critics within Trump's own Republican Party have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the proposed agreement does not substantively improve upon the terms of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal—a pact Trump withdrew from during his presidency, labeling it "bad."

What remains clear is that, while progress may have been made in reaching a tentative agreement, significant challenges and complications lie ahead that will require further negotiation and dialogue among the involved parties.