Shehbaz Sharif says US-Iran signed Islamabad MoU to reopen Hormuz

Islamabad,UPDATED: Jun 18, 2026 14:42 IST

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that the United States and Iran had electronically signed the "historic" Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which he said would restore peace in West Asia. He said the agreement would take effect immediately, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the US lifting its naval blockade.

Sharif hailed US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for what he described as their commitment to diplomacy, and thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in the process. The peace process, he said, reflected an effort by both sides to resolve the conflict through talks.

According to Sharif, Trump signed the memorandum at the Palace of Versailles in France on Wednesday after having dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron following the G7 summit. Soon after, Iranian media posted photographs of President Masoud Pezeshkian holding a copy of the signed document. It is also being widely reported that Pakistan, which emerged as a key mediator, will sign the memorandum in Switzerland at a formal ceremony scheduled for Friday.

In a post on X, Sharif said, "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." He added, "Islamabad MoU shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, the Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade." The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world's total energy supplies pass in normal times.

Sharif offered "heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation" to Trump, saying his "steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for peaceful resolution have once again helped end a conflict that could have led to devastating consequences for the region and beyond". He also praised "the dedication and tireless efforts" of the US negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy for West Asia Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.

He also expressed "profound respect and appreciation" for Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian for their "wisdom, foresight and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace". Sharif also thanked the Iranian negotiating team, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, saying their "patience, perseverance and commitment to constructive engagement were instrumental in bringing this agreement to fruition".

Sharif further said, "I would especially like to acknowledge the sincere efforts and constructive engagement of the leadership of the State of Qatar in helping reach this point. I also highly commend the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Turkiye and the Arab Republic of Egypt for their indispensable role and invaluable contributions in this regard." He also named Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying his "tireless efforts, selfless dedication and instrumental role were critical in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing the cause of peace and regional stability".

The peace process was negotiated through mediators including Pakistan and Qatar, which first secured a two-week ceasefire agreement on April 8. The ceasefire was later extended until the completion of the talks. Pakistan hosted the first round of peace talks in April, attended by senior leaders from both sides, though those discussions did not produce a deal. Sharif's announcement on Thursday presented the Islamabad MoU as the outcome of those efforts and as an immediate step towards ending the conflict.

With PTI Inputs

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