Fact Check: Has US-Iran peace deal really been reached through Pakistan’s mediation?

WASHINGTON, DC: A report on Thursday, May 21, sparked confusion amid volatile markets driven by tensions linked to the US–Iran conflict. Saudi state-owned media outlet Al Arabiya, citing unnamed sources, claimed that Iran and the United States had reached a peace deal reportedly mediated by Pakistan. The report added that an official announcement of the agreement was expected soon. Let's fact check the claim.

Claim: Pakistan’s army chief will visit Iran within next few days

Al Arabiya reported that “serious efforts” are currently underway to finalize a draft agreement. The outlet claimed that Pakistan’s army chief will visit Iran within the next few days, while the final round of US-Iran negotiations is expected to take place in Islamabad after the Hajj season.

 Social media users reacted to the report, with many noting that the confusion surrounding the claims triggered brief swings in some markets. Several users, particularly Iranians, voiced strong skepticism, rejected any deal involving the current regime, and called for political change following reported protests and crackdowns in 2026.

In early 2026, amid escalating regional tensions that included US–Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian retaliatory actions such as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and wider instability in the Middle East, Pakistan stepped in as a mediator.

It exchanged messages, hosted discussions in Islamabad, and relayed proposals between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan maintained ties with both sides, did not host US military bases, and avoided direct targeting from Iranian actions, which helped position it as a relatively acceptable channel when direct trust between the parties broke down.

Fact Check: Reports of finalized US-Iran agreement originated from unnamed sources

The Al Arabiya report, shared in an X post on Wednesday, May 20, claimed that an official “may visit Iran tomorrow,” Thursday, to announce the completion of a final draft agreement. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that discussions are continuing and no agreement has been reached so far. Major international outlets, including CNN and BBC, have also not confirmed any finalized deal.

 Tehran-based Anadolu reported that Pakistan’s interior minister, Asif Munir, is expected to visit Tehran in the coming days for peace talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he remained hopeful that the Pakistani delegation’s visit could bring “some good signs.” Despite these developments, no official confirmation has emerged of a finalized peace deal between the United States and Iran.

Meanwhile, several social media posts claiming that a draft agreement has been completed went viral on X. A Community Note attached to one such post clarified that no draft has been finalized. It stated "The report of a finalized US-Iran agreement originates from Al Arabiya citing unnamed sources, not Iranian state media as claimed. Iranian outlets like ISNA report the claim without confirmation of any final draft or imminent announcement.”