Iranian deputy foreign minister in a meeting with the ambassadors of China and Russia in Tehran. Photo courtesy of Tasnim news agency
The meeting came as diplomatic efforts intensified around a Pakistani-mediated framework aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on Iran and opening a broader negotiating track between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said he met the Russian and Chinese ambassadors in Tehran to exchange views on the proposed accord, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported.
"Today, in a joint meeting with the ambassadors of Russia and China in Tehran, discussions and exchanges of views were held regarding the latest developments related to the draft Islamabad memorandum of understanding," Gharibabadi wrote on X. "The strategic partnership among Iran, China, and Russia, as well as coordination and interactions among the three countries, will continue with strength."
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Tehran and Washington were closer than ever to reaching a peace agreement and suggested that a deal could be finalized within 24 hours, followed by an electronic signing and technical-level talks.
His comments followed remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said an initial understanding could be announced in the coming days but stressed that negotiations had not yet concluded.
Araghchi said the process remained centered on a 14-point MoU currently under review by Iranian authorities.
He added that the diplomatic roadmap is divided into two stages, beginning with the signing of an initial MoU and followed by negotiations toward a possible comprehensive agreement.
Issues including sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme, economic reconstruction, and other contentious matters would be addressed in a later phase, he stated.
The latest consultations also underscored the role of Moscow and Beijing, two of Tehran's closest international partners, as discussions move toward a possible breakthrough.
According to reports citing Western, Pakistani, and Iranian sources, the proposed MoU could include the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and steps toward easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for measures including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported that a signing ceremony could take place as early as Sunday, with Geneva viewed as the most likely venue, and US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf expected to sign the document, although officials said no final decision had been made on the location.
Iran has said any agreement must include enforceable guarantees, respect for its sovereignty and safeguards against future violations of commitments.
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