Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ as the mediator between the United States and Iran, marking a historic diplomatic breakthrough for Pakistan and the region .
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the memorandum bears the signatures of US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Pakistan serving as the primary mediator and co-signatory .
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Triumph
The electronic signing was completed on Wednesday, with the agreement taking immediate effect . Under the first phase, Iran will immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping while the United States will simultaneously lift its naval blockade .
Pakistan, in collaboration with co-mediator Qatar, will host a formal commemorative ceremony in Switzerland on June 19 to mark the historic breakthrough and begin technical-level negotiations .
Prime Minister Sharif praised President Trump’s diplomatic commitment and preference for peaceful resolution of conflicts, acknowledging the roles of the US negotiating team including Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner . On the Iranian side, he praised the vision of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and President Pezeshkian, along with the Iranian negotiating team comprising Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Eskandar Momeni .
The Prime Minister made special mention of Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose “relentless efforts, selfless commitment, and behind-the-scenes diplomatic role were decisive in making this breakthrough possible” . He also acknowledged Qatar’s leadership and described the roles of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt as indispensable .
President Zardari Welcomes the Agreement
President Asif Ali Zardari warmly welcomed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” describing it as a historic moment for the region and the world . In a statement, he noted that the conflict that began in February 2026 had caused immense hardships to the people of the region and severely impacted global energy supplies, trade, and economic stability .
The President expressed hope that such a tragic situation would not recur and that regional countries would dedicate their energies to development, prosperity, and public welfare . He paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their tireless diplomatic efforts .
President Zardari also praised the leadership of President Trump, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, President Pezeshkian, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, acknowledging the constructive role of brotherly countries Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, as well as the valuable support of Russia and China .
US Releases Official Text
The White House released the official text of the 14-point “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” which includes provisions for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing of certain financial sanctions on Iran, and expectations regarding Iran’s nuclear program during future technical negotiations .
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Iran will charge fees for services provided to vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has the option to dilute enriched uranium but will not transfer nuclear material outside the country, and will not negotiate its defense capabilities with any party .
