A regional source told CNN that “some good news is expected from both sides soon” and that discussions were being steered directly by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The development comes as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally requested warring parties to observe a two-week ceasefire to “allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war” in a post on X.

US-Iran War Updates: What Is Pakistan Proposing?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked US President Donald Trump to extend his deadline on Iran by two weeks and urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during that period as a goodwill gesture. “To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” Sharif wrote.

He also urged “all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve a conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region”.

Sharif described diplomatic efforts as “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future”.

US-Iran War Updates: What Is the Role of Pakistan’s Army Chief?

Reports say, discussions are now being steered directly by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This represents an escalation of Pakistan’s mediation role, which has involved relaying proposals between Washington and Tehran for weeks.

Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, confirmed that Pakistan’s facilitation is “approaching a critical, sensitive stage”.

US-Iran War Updates: What Is the White House Saying?

The White House confirmed Tuesday that Trump has been made aware of Sharif’s proposed ceasefire and that “a response will come,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN. Leavitt did not provide a timeline for the response.

Trump described the talks as “heated negotiations” in a brief phone interview with Fox News, declining to share details due to their sensitivity.

US-Iran War Updates: What Is the Current Status of Negotiations?

While officials remain hopeful, gaps between the two sides persist. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that negotiators are pessimistic Iran will bend to meet Trump’s demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the deadline. Some US officials say there is too large a gap to narrow between the US and Iranian positions before 8 p.m. ET Tuesday.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is “positively reviewing” Pakistan’s request for a two-week ceasefire. However, Iran previously rejected a US ceasefire proposal, insisting on a permanent end to war, including in Lebanon and Gaza, recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions and compensation for economic damage.

US-Iran War Updates: What Is the Humanitarian Concern?

Iranian authorities have reportedly urged civilians to gather at sensitive sites, including power plants and bridges, ahead of potential strikes. According to accounts shared with the Daily Mail, state messaging encouraged public presence at infrastructure locations, potentially to deter or complicate incoming attacks.

“They are announcing on national TV – come to the streets and bring your children,” one source with family inside Iran told the Daily Mail. Trump reacted to these reports, telling NBC News: “Totally illegal. They’re not allowed to do that”.

FAQs: US-Iran Deal Talks

Q: Is a deal expected tonight?

A: According to CNN, “some good news is expected from both sides soon” and that a deal could be closed tonight, with Pakistan’s army chief directly steering discussions.

Q: What did Pakistan propose?

A: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested a two-week ceasefire, asked Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks, and urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture.

Q: Has the White House responded?

A: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is aware of the proposal and “a response will come”.

Q: What did Trump say about Iran using civilians as shields?

A: Trump called it “totally illegal,” reacting to reports that Iranian authorities urged civilians to gather at potential strike sites.

Q: What is the current status of negotiations?

A: The WSJ reported gaps remain too wide to close by the deadline, but Iran is “positively reviewing” Pakistan’s ceasefire request.

Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.