Historic US-Iran memorandum electronically signed with Pakistan as mediator: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ had been electronically signed between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The memorandum had been signed by the presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by PM Shehbaz as the mediator, the prime minister wrote in a post on his X account, three days after he announced that the deal had been reached between the two countries.

“I am honoured to announce that the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ has been electronically signed today between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Memorandum has been signed by honourable presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator,” PM Shehbaz announced.

According to the PM Office, the Islamabad MoU was signed by PM Shehbaz as mediator.

The premier said that signing of the agreement at the highest level of the respective governments demonstrated commitment of both sides to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.

PM Shehbaz said the Islamabad MoU would enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Iran would instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the US would immediately lift the naval blockade.

Pakistan’s mediation played a pivotal role in the recent agreement between the US and Iran. The country successfully facilitated diplomatic engagement between the two sides leading to the breakthrough understanding.

He also commended efforts of the US negotiating team, including JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for their contributions to this achievement.

PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation to Supreme Leader of Iran Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for “their wisdom, foresight and statesmanship” in embracing the cause of peace, besides recognising the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni.

The prime minister also highly commended the leadership of the State of Qatar for helping reach this point and appreciated the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye and the Arab Republic of Egypt for their contributions.

He made a special mention of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whose role were critical in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing the cause of peace and regional stability.

He expressed hope that the MoU would serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region.

Later, Iranian news agency IRNA reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian and his American counterpart Donald Trump had signed the memorandum of understanding early on Thursday.

The news agency posted a photo on X showing President Pezeshkian signing and then displaying the MoU, which featured US President Donald Trump’s signature.