Middle East nations stay alert while US and Iran edge toward possible pact signing within 24 hours

Amid ongoing discussions for another US agreement involving Iran, regional countries continue to monitor developments closely for signs of improved stability.

Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir meets Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni during mediation steps between the U.S. and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, May 22, 2026.

(photo credit: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)/Handout via REUTERS)

BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

JUNE 14, 2026 08:47

The Middle East, especially Gulf countries, watches closely to determine whether a US Iran agreement will come through this week.

Over several months, expectations of a possible accord have risen only to fade when nothing occurred. Once more the area braces for confirmation on whether the pact will proceed.

Regional coverage highlights this pattern. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan counterpart Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a phone discussion on Saturday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Coverage in Arab News added that the two addressed recent regional events and related diplomatic efforts.

The ministers reviewed advances in the talks along with growing optimism about a new situation. The statement followed remarks by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose administration has served as mediator, indicating a peace accord to conclude the US Iran conflict would likely conclude within 24 hours.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia function as close partners coordinating responses to the intricate conditions that emerged after US and Israeli actions against Iran on February 28. Pakistan maintains solid relations with the Trump administration and has played a central mediation role.

Officials push to complete the agreement rapidly

Al Ain media in the UAE reports that the expected accord between America and Iran will be completed electronically rather than through an in person meeting. The account explains that informed officials told CNN the electronic approach for the memorandum of understanding seeks to seal the deal swiftly and sidestep any final hurdles.

The report further notes that President Trump and Vice President Vance avoid simultaneous overseas travel due to security protocols and continuity needs, even though Trump plans to depart for the G7 summit in France on Monday morning. Arranging Vance travel to and from a signing location in Europe proved challenging ahead of the departure.

An electronic signature is anticipated, Al Ain indicates.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated via X that an electronic signing event was set for Sunday, yet Al Ain coverage notes Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei told IRNA that the exact signing date remains unclear and will not occur tomorrow.

Al Ain adds that the accord, framed as a memorandum of understanding, is intended to open talks on remaining matters, above all Iran nuclear activities and its holdings of highly enriched uranium.

While the agreement advances, countries also watch Lebanon for possible drops in tensions.

This could lead Israel to scale back its movements and return to a fresh buffer area near the border, establishing a new security zone that has been under consideration for months.

Iran has tried to connect Hezbollah and Lebanon to any Iran agreement, adding another layer to the wait and see dynamic facing the Middle East.

Could a potential deal spark further steps in Lebanon to limit Hezbollah reach, or might Hezbollah gain strength? How will Iranian backed groups in Iraq respond? These questions linger as discussions about an accord persist.