US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visiting India [New Delhi AP=Yonhap News]

Peace negotiations between the United States and Iran are rapidly heading toward an agreement this weekend, the 23rd (local time).

Both sides have stated that progress is being made in the negotiations, and there have even been mentions that a peace agreement could be announced as early as later today.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, who is visiting New Delhi, India, told reporters on this day, in relation to the peace negotiations, "There is a possibility that we will announce something, whether it's late today, tomorrow, or in a few days," according to Reuters and AFP.

He added, "There is no news for you right now, but there might be some news later today, or there might not be. I hope there is news, but it is not yet certain."

Secretary Rubio also emphasized, "There has been some progress. Even as I speak now, some efforts are being made."

These remarks are drawing attention as they suggest that peace negotiations between the US and Iran are progressing, and an agreement between the two countries could be reached and announced as early as today.

Previously, up until yesterday, tensions had risen with reports that US President Donald Trump was seriously considering resuming airstrikes against Iran. However, within a day, the atmosphere appears to be shifting towards "resolution through diplomacy."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (left) and Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir Provided by the Presidential Office of Iran. AFP=Yonhap News]

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stated on this day, "We are very close to an agreement, but at the same time, we are very far. We are currently working to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)," indicating that the two sides are narrowing their differences in peace talks with the US, as reported by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.

Baghaei's remarks are a significant change compared to his statement the previous day, where he pointed out that "there are very large differences in opinion between Iran and the United States."

Baghaei explained that the purpose of the visit of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, who is playing a key mediating role between the two countries, to Tehran, the Iranian capital, for two days starting yesterday, during which he held consecutive meetings with Iranian leaders including the President, Speaker of Parliament, and Foreign Minister, was "to exchange messages between Iran and the United States," suggesting that significant progress had been made in the negotiations following Munir's visit.

Baghaei particularly introduced relatively specific details of the peace MOU.

He stated that the agenda, including nuclear issues and the unfreezing of assets, was included in Iran's 14-point demands. However, he also mentioned that if both sides agree on a peace MOU, the text of the MOU would include a provision for a grace period of 30 or 60 days before discussing nuclear matters.

This stance shows a discernible difference from the previous day's statement that "there are no discussions related to nuclear issues at this stage."

However, it remains uncertain whether US President Donald Trump, who views the prohibition of Iran's nuclear program and the handling of highly enriched uranium, which could enable rapid weaponization, as key conditions for peace, will accept this, as Iran's position is to discuss nuclear issues only after the conclusion of the peace MOU and a further grace period.

Furthermore, regarding the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, where civilian shipping has been effectively blocked since the outbreak of the war, Baghaei stated, "It has nothing to do with the United States; it is an issue between us and the coastal states. We are strengthening cooperation with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz issue," indicating uncertainty about whether this would satisfy the Trump administration.

Earlier, before departing for visits to Sweden and India on the 22nd, Secretary Rubio told reporters in the US that if Iran pursues charging tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, "any such move would make a diplomatic agreement impossible," drawing a clear line.