Pakistan backs US-Iran peace deal as Sharif signs Islamabad MoU

Islamabad,UPDATED: Jun 18, 2026 15:56 IST

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as a guarantor of an agreement between the US and Iran aimed at restoring peace in West Asia, his office said. The document had already been signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday.

Sharif signed the memorandum a day before a planned ceremony in Switzerland, where key negotiators from the US, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar are expected to gather. Earlier in the day, he said the agreement would take effect immediately, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the US lifting its naval blockade.

In a post on X, Sharif's office said, "Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as a guarantor. Signatures of US President Donald Trump and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian are present on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding." The Prime Minister's Office also shared photographs and videos of him signing the document on Thursday.

Trump signed the memorandum on Wednesday at the Palace of Versailles in France, where he had dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron after the G7 summit. Later, Iranian media posted photographs of President Pezeshkian holding a copy of the signed document before a camera.

Sharif said the signing of the agreement at the highest level of the respective governments showed both sides' commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. He also thanked West Asian countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt for their contribution.

The peace process was negotiated through mediators including Pakistan and Qatar, which had first secured a two-week ceasefire agreement on April 8. The ceasefire was later extended until the talks were completed.

Pakistan, which later emerged as the key mediator, hosted the first round of peace talks in April. Senior leaders from both sides attended those talks, but they did not result in a deal.

In another post on X on Thursday, 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. It has been effectively blocked since February 28, when the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes.

Sharif also 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 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.

The Pakistani leader expressed "profound respect and appreciation" for Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Pezeshkian for their "wisdom, foresight and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace". He also praised 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 mentioned Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces 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".

With Sharif's signing, the memorandum has now been endorsed by Pakistan as guarantor after signatures by the US and Iranian presidents, ahead of the planned Switzerland ceremony, as the agreement moves forward on the stated terms of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade.

With PTI Inputs

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