Trump to Seek Hormuz Demining Pact as Iran War Deal Nears

The diplomatic push follows Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration that a deal is closer than ever, with final signatures potentially occurring within 24 hours. While the White House remains silent, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed the ongoing discussions in Islamabad, noting that current negotiations are strictly limited to halting the war, explicitly excluding the country’s contentious nuclear program.

Alongside the diplomatic efforts, Iran announced that funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be held between July 4 and 9. Khamenei, who was killed during the opening strikes of the conflict in February, will be interred at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad following processions in Tehran and Qom. The transition of power to his son, Mojtaba, adds a layer of uncertainty to the post-war landscape, given his reputation for a more rigid stance than his predecessor. As regional tensions remain high following recent exchanges of fire, the G7 summit will serve as a critical forum for Trump to meet with leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to solidify the cease-fire and secure the vital waterway.