Web Desk: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (Islamabad MoU) in his capacity as mediator, formalising a US-Iran agreement that officials described as a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at reducing tensions and averting a wider regional conflict.
US President Donald J. Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed the memorandum, while Pakistan endorsed the accord as the principal mediator between the two sides. Officials said the agreement entered into force immediately upon signing.
The development marks a rare diplomatic achievement involving Washington and Tehran, whose relations have remained strained for decades amid disputes over regional security, sanctions and military activity across the Middle East.
Officials said the memorandum establishes an initial framework for de-escalation, maritime security cooperation and future diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran.
Under the first phase of the agreement, Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes and a key artery for global energy supplies. In parallel, the United States began lifting its naval blockade measures in accordance with the terms outlined in the accord.
The reciprocal steps are intended to lower the risk of military confrontation and restore confidence between the two countries as negotiations move into a more detailed phase.
Meanwhile, Pakistan announced plans to host an official signing ceremony on June 19 with support from Qatar.
Although brokered through Islamabad, the ceremony will take place in Switzerland and will serve as the launch point for technical-level negotiations focused on implementing the memorandum and drafting a comprehensive final agreement.
Expert teams from both countries will begin discussions on operational details, verification mechanisms and long-term arrangements designed to sustain the diplomatic process.
In a statement, Pakistani officials described the accord as a demonstration of both governments’ willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than military action.
The statement praised President Trump for supporting negotiations and pursuing a diplomatic solution. It also acknowledged the contributions of key members of the US negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.
At the same time, Pakistan commended Iran’s leadership for supporting the talks and advancing the negotiation process.
The involvement of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Pezeshkian, while also recognizing the efforts of senior Iranian negotiators Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni.
Pakistan also credited Qatar for serving as a co-mediator throughout the negotiations.
In addition, officials thanked Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for providing diplomatic support that helped facilitate dialogue between the two sides during a period of heightened regional tensions.
The statement further acknowledged the role of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing his contribution as instrumental in supporting diplomatic contacts and helping advance the negotiations.
With the memorandum now in effect, attention is expected to shift toward implementation and confidence-building measures.
Officials said technical teams will work to translate the framework into concrete arrangements covering maritime security, de-escalation mechanisms and future diplomatic engagement.
While the agreement represents one of the most significant diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran in recent years, analysts cautioned that its ultimate success will depend on sustained political commitment and effective execution by both governments.
Nevertheless, the signing of the Islamabad MoU signals a potentially important turning point in efforts to reduce regional tensions and create a pathway for broader dialogue between Washington and Tehran after years of confrontation.
Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif announces historic US-Iran Islamabad Memorandum
