ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Thursday that the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU) between the United States and Iran had been electronically signed by both countries, marking a significant step toward ending months of conflict.
In a post on X, the prime minister said the agreement had been signed by the presidents of both nations and endorsed by him in his role as mediator. He said the signing at the highest level reflected Washington and Tehran’s commitment to resolving their dispute through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
According to PM Shehbaz, the MoU comes into force immediately. As part of its initial provisions, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz without delay, while the United States will lift its naval blockade against Iran.
US President Donald Trump later confirmed the development, telling reporters, “Just signed it,” as he emerged from a palace event.
Iran also confirmed the agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state news agency IRNA that the document had been finalised with the signatures of both presidents.
Later, the Prime Minister’s Office shared a video on X showing PM Shehbaz signing the agreement in his capacity as mediator.
An earlier version of the prime minister’s social media statement said Pakistan, with support from Qatar, would host an official signing ceremony on June 19 in Switzerland to commemorate the agreement and launch technical-level negotiations. However, that reference was later removed.
Speaking to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, Baqaei explained that no ceremony would take place in Switzerland because the agreement had already been digitally signed by both presidents.
Meanwhile, the Swiss government said preliminary discussions between US and Iranian representatives had been planned at the Bürgenstock mountain resort.
PM hails diplomacy and regional cooperation
In his message, PM Shehbaz congratulated Trump, praising his commitment to diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. He said the US president’s efforts had helped prevent a wider conflict with potentially devastating consequences for the Middle East and beyond.
The prime minister also acknowledged the work of the American negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for their contributions to the agreement.
He expressed appreciation for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, crediting them with demonstrating wisdom and statesmanship in choosing peace.
PM Shehbaz further praised Iranian officials Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni, saying their patience, persistence and commitment to dialogue played a key role in bringing negotiations to a successful conclusion.
He also thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for supporting diplomatic efforts throughout the process.
The prime minister paid special tribute to Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying his tireless efforts and dedication were instrumental in facilitating the breakthrough and promoting regional stability.
Expressing hope for the future, PM Shehbaz said the MoU should serve as a lasting foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity across the region.
President Zardari welcomes ‘historic moment’
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the signing of the agreement, describing it as a historic development for both the region and the wider world.
In a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, he noted that the conflict that began in February 2026 had caused immense suffering, disrupted global energy markets and trade routes, and undermined economic stability.
The president expressed hope that such a crisis would never be repeated and that countries in the region could now focus on development, prosperity and the welfare of their citizens.
He commended PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their diplomatic efforts, which he said played an important role in bringing the parties together.
Zardari noted that Pakistan had consistently advocated dialogue, restraint and a peaceful settlement while maintaining constructive engagement with all sides throughout the crisis.
He also praised Trump, Iran’s supreme leader, President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for helping secure a diplomatic outcome and advancing the cause of peace.
The president further acknowledged the support of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Russia and China, saying their encouragement of dialogue had contributed to efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Calling for the full implementation of the MoU, Zardari urged all parties to work quickly toward a final agreement within the agreed timeframe to ensure lasting peace and stability.
He expressed hope that the memorandum would become the basis for a durable and comprehensive regional peace, enabling countries to prioritise economic growth, energy cooperation and public welfare.
“War brings nothing but destruction and misery. Peace is the only path to progress,” the president said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to standing alongside regional partners in pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Key provisions of the agreement
The deal is intended to formally end the conflict launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel. The war prompted Iran to respond with missile and drone attacks across the region, leading to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important energy and shipping routes. In response, the United States imposed a blockade on shipping linked to Iranian ports.
Under the agreement, Washington has committed to immediately waiving oil-related sanctions that have severely affected Iran’s economy.
The document also states that once a comprehensive agreement is reached regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, the United States will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by regional countries.
According to the text released by US officials, Iran will dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium, potentially through a process of down-blending carried out on Iranian soil under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.