What happened
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” between the United States and Iran had been electronically signed by the presidents of both countries and endorsed by him as mediator, and that it had entered into force immediately.
In a post on X, the prime minister said the memorandum carried the signatures of US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. “The Memorandum has been signed by the honourable presidents of both countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator,” he said. He added that as a first step Iran would instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States would immediately lift its naval blockade.
The Prime Minister’s Office later released footage of Sharif signing the document as mediator. Officials said the accord was signed in English and Farsi, and Iran’s foreign ministry said it already considered the agreement in effect as of Wednesday.
What the memorandum provides
The 14-point agreement extends the ceasefire first announced in April by another 60 days, including in Lebanon, and gives the two sides a maximum of 60 days to negotiate a final truce.
According to the text circulated by Iran, the United States commits to begin lifting its naval blockade on signing and to complete the move within 30 days, to withdraw its forces from the area around Iran within 30 days of a final agreement, to provide at least 300 billion dollars for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development, and to end all sanctions according to a mutually agreed timetable. Iran commits to restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and to maintaining the current status of its nuclear programme while talks continue. The final agreement is to be endorsed by a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
Swiss ceremony called off
The prime minister had been expected to travel to Switzerland for a formal signing ceremony. A senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office told Arab News on Thursday that the visit had been cancelled because the objective of signing the memorandum had been achieved and technical talks were yet to begin. Pakistan said it would continue to play a mediating role in the technical talks whenever the parties were ready.
The Swiss government said initial talks between the United States and Iran, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other involved countries, were planned for Friday at the Bürgenstock resort outside Lucerne.
Reaction in Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the signing, describing it as a historic moment for the region and the world. He paid tribute to the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for what he called their tireless diplomatic efforts. He urged all parties to implement the memorandum fully and to reach a final agreement within the stipulated time.
Why it matters
The memorandum was the most concrete step yet towards ending a war that began in late February 2026 and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil and gas. Pakistan, which hosted the first round of direct talks in Islamabad in April, was credited by both sides for its mediation. The agreement remains a memorandum of understanding, and its implementation — from maritime traffic to sanctions relief — is still to be tested during the 60-day negotiating window.
Sources & reporting notes
This is a summary of published reporting, not independent reporting. Details are as carried by the cited sources, which were reviewed on 2026-06-18.
- Radio Pakistan — "US, Iran electronically sign historic Islamabad MoU: PM"18 June 2026 · The prime minister's announcement, the electronic signatures, the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of the naval blockade, and the planned Swiss ceremony.
- Arab News — "Pakistan PM's Switzerland visit called off after US-Iran accord signed electronically"18 June 2026 · Confirmation that the Swiss visit was cancelled, the signing in English and Farsi, and the planned Bürgenstock technical talks.
- Dawn — "President Zardari welcomes signing of MoU between US and Iran"18 June 2026 · President Zardari's statement, his tributes to the prime minister, Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Mohsin Naqvi, and his call for full implementation.
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