The United States of America and Iran have electronically signed a diplomatic accord titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU) to end active military hostilities. Pakistan served as the primary mediator for the agreement, which aims to resolve a conflict that began on February 28 following military actions by the US and Israel, which triggered retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the finalisation of the framework in a post on the social media platform X. “The memorandum has been signed by honourable presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator,” PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote, noting that the agreement “shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade.”
President Donald Trump signed the memorandum during a G7 summit dinner at the Palace of Versailles in France. “Just signed it,” Trump told reporters after the event.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also validated the digital finalisation via the state news agency IRNA, verifying that the document “was finalised with the signatures of the presidents.”
Under the terms of the baseline text, Washington will immediately waive oil sanctions impacting the Iranian economy. Furthermore, the framework outlines that once a final agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear programme is reached, the US will facilitate the release of a 300 billion dollar regional reconstruction fund.
As part of the stipulations, Iran must dilute its enriched uranium stocks, a process slated to occur through on-site down-blending managed under the direct supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The development altered previous operational plans for a formal diplomatic gathering in Switzerland.
A Pakistani delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Foreign Office officials had already arrived at the Bürgenstock Resort near Lake Lucerne to make arrangements for an official ceremony originally scheduled for June 19.
PM Shehbaz Sharif initially included these scheduling details in his online statement, noting that Pakistan and Qatar would host the event to commence technical-level talks.
Shehbaz Sharif used his statement to credit several international and domestic figures for facilitating the breakthrough. He offered congratulations to US President Donald Trump, citing his “steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for peaceful resolution.”
He also commended the contributions of the American negotiating team, specifically naming Vice President JD Vance, and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
On the Iranian side, the PM expressed his respect for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, praising their “wisdom, foresight and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace.”
He additionally recognized the performance of the Iranian negotiating team, which included Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Eskandar Momeni, for their “patience, perseverance and commitment to constructive engagement.”
The premier concluded his acknowledgments by highlighting the diplomatic roles played by regional partners, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt.
He gave explicit recognition to Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating that his “tireless efforts, selfless dedication and instrumental role were critical in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing the cause of peace and regional stability.”
