US, Iran Nearing Peace Agreement, Pakistan Defence Minister

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that the United States and Iran are close to reaching “some sort of an arrangement,” pointing to renewed diplomatic momentum as Islamabad continues its mediating role between the two longstanding adversaries. Asif made the comments in an interview with Bloomberg News in Islamabad on Tuesday, saying recent signals indicated that Washington and Tehran were moving closer to a deal that could ease tensions in the Middle East. “Things are shaping up again in favor of a peace arrangement or a deal,” Asif said, adding that “the signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement.” His remarks come as Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is currently meeting Iranian leadership in Tehran as part of Islamabad’s renewed push for resolution of the standoff, particularly concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz. A Pakistani government source told Anadolu Agency that Naqvi would share “some new proposals” with the Iranian leadership to resolve the impasse, though details of the proposals were not disclosed. Asif emphasised that a long-term peace agreement between the United States and Iran would be beneficial not only to both countries but to the broader Middle East region. He said the emerging signals were favourable to peace, but cautioned that further negotiations would be required before any agreement could be considered final. His remarks did not amount to an announcement of a completed deal, and there has been no official confirmation from Washington or Tehran that a final agreement has been signed.

The latest indications follow months of conflict and repeated diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a durable settlement. Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential bridge between Washington and Tehran, using its relations with both countries to support negotiations. In June 2026, Pakistan facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signing as mediator. The MoU entered into force with immediate effect, with Iran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States committing to lift its naval blockade as a first step. However, subsequent talks stalled over disagreements on security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the war. Pakistan’s National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in June recognising the country’s efforts in facilitating the peace agreement, describing Pakistan as a “trusted and neutral mediator on the global stage.” The resolution appreciated the role played by PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously told parliament that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir had played “the most crucial role” in securing the peace agreement and had worked tirelessly over several months. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly telephoned Sharif to thank Pakistan and specifically acknowledged Munir’s role.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on August 8 that Iran would continue pursuing a “path of peace” with the United States under the MoU, but stressed that Tehran’s participation in negotiations would depend on Washington creating an atmosphere of trust. “We are determined to use the MoU as the basis provided that the United States lets go of the atmosphere of distrust it has created, and an atmosphere of trust is formed,” Pezeshkian said at a press conference. US Vice President JD Vance also acknowledged “some progress” in talks with Iran, telling Fox News that Washington is focused on maximizing the amount of oil and gas coming out of the Strait of Hormuz. Vance noted that Iranians and Gulf countries, particularly Oman, have been discussing how to ensure the safe flow of traffic through the waterway. A Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that talks between Iran and Oman about reopening the Strait of Hormuz to some maritime shipping have reached an “advanced stage.” However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that reopening the strait would depend on other conditions, including “compensation” from the United States for “violating” the MoU.

Despite the diplomatic progress, Israel has explicitly rejected Pakistan’s involvement in regional peace efforts, citing deep-seated distrust. Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, told ANI: “We don’t trust the Pakistanis. I think that their behaviour has been reprehensible, their approach towards Israel, the anti-Semitic remarks of their defence minister, etc.” The comments came after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made controversial remarks on social media in April 2026, labelling Israel as “evil” and a “curse for humanity,” and referring to the country as a “cancerous state.” Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also declared that Israel is not bound by the US-brokered agreement, stating: “Trump’s agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation!”

The reported progress comes amid continuing regional tensions, with the US and Iran having exchanged military strikes in July 2026. A successful agreement could ease those tensions and create the basis for a longer-term diplomatic settlement between Washington and Tehran, though several significant obstacles remain. These include Israel’s opposition to Pakistan’s involvement and to the broader agreement, unresolved issues over Iran’s nuclear program, disagreements on security guarantees and freedom of navigation, and a lack of trust between the parties, with Iran demanding compensation from the US.

Asif said the emerging signals were favourable to peace, but further negotiations would be required before any agreement could be considered final. For now, however, there has been no indication from the United States or Iran that a final agreement has been signed, leaving the reported progress subject to further negotiations. Pakistan’s involvement has given Islamabad a prominent diplomatic role in the efforts, with Pakistani officials repeatedly expressing support for a negotiated settlement. The reported progress comes amid continuing regional tensions and wider concerns over the impact of the US-Iran confrontation on security and stability across the Middle East.

Death Toll Rises to 132 as 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has claimed at least 132 lives, with more than 570 people injured, according to the latest update from the Colombian government. Newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of national disaster as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings across multiple cities. The quake, which struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, had its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, approximately 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogotá. The Colombian Geological Service reported a depth of 96 kilometres, while the US Geological Survey placed it at 107 kilometres. The tremor was felt as far away as Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, prompting building evacuations across the region.

President Espriella, who assumed office just three days before the disaster, has directly assumed leadership of the emergency response in San José del Palmar. In a message to the nation, he stated: “I have ordered the installation of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the attention to damages and those affected. I will personally be in Pereira to accompany those affected and verify the government’s response. You are not alone. The State is present and acting.” The government has mobilised the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.

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The preliminary government assessment paints a grim picture of the devastation, with the coffee-growing region of Risaralda recording the highest death toll at 42 fatalities. The full extent of the destruction includes at least 61 buildings collapsed and over 1,500 homes damaged, 18 health centres, 52 schools and 17 community centres damaged, 18 roads affected by the tremor, and operations suspended at seven airports, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, pending structural inspections.

The city of Pereira has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with officials describing “serious damage to some buildings” and “shocking images of people injured and building facades collapsed.” In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, at least 20 buildings have collapsed, with people trapped inside. Mayor Alejandro Eder has requested support from rescue workers in Bogotá and Medellín, urging citizens to remain calm and check for structural damage at their homes. The mayor of Manizales reported significant damage, including the clock tower of the Cathedral Basilica now slumped at a dangerous angle.

The earthquake, described as the strongest recorded in Colombia in the last decade by the Colombian Geological Service, has been followed by at least two aftershocks with magnitudes of 2.8 and 4.8. The US Geological Survey reported that approximately 1.5 million people experienced “very strong” shakes severe enough to cause damage to unreinforced masonry buildings.

The United States has announced it will commit $15.5 million in emergency funding to Colombia to provide shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments for victims. “We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground,” the US State Department stated. The department is also actively assisting American citizens affected by the earthquake. The European Union has offered support through its Copernicus satellite system, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stating, “Europe’s heart is with the people of Colombia.” The Chinese Embassy in Colombia has confirmed that, as of the latest reports, no Chinese nationals were among the casualties.

Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to reach isolated communities and provide assistance to thousands displaced by the disaster. Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo Abondano has pledged that the government “will not rest until that aid reaches every family that needs it and contributes to the recovery of the affected territories.”