US and Iran close to temporary truce, Pakistani officials claim

Latest briefings float hope of basic deal that would keep peace and free shipping while further negotiations continue

• Middle East crisis – live updates

The US and Iran are close to a temporary agreement to halt the war in the Middle East, officials in Pakistan claimed on Thursday, as diplomatic activity gathered fresh momentum after a near breakdown of the current ceasefire earlier this week.

Officials on Islamabad said a very basic “interim” deal could be reached as early as this weekend and that Tehran was reviewing a US proposal.