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PM Shehbaz says US, Iran have signed deal electronically; Iran to 'instantly' reopen Hormuz, US to 'immediately' lift bl
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ Pakistan /Conflict & Security

PM Shehbaz says US, Iran have signed deal electronically; Iran to 'instantly' reopen Hormuz, US to 'immediately' lift blockade

From Dawn · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the US and Iran have electronically signed the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" (MoU), mediated by Pakistan.
  • The agreement immediately reopens the Strait of Hormuz and lifts the US naval blockade, aiming for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
  • Sharif praised the leaders of both nations and international mediators for their commitment to peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Thursday that Pakistan has successfully mediated an electronic signing of the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" (MoU) between the United States and Iran. Sharif, acting as mediator, confirmed that the presidents of both nations endorsed the agreement, signaling a significant diplomatic breakthrough. He stated that the MoU enters into force immediately, with Iran set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the US to lift its naval blockade as a first step.

The memorandum has been signed by honourable presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator. The signing of this agreement at the highest level of the respective governments demonstrates the commitment of both sides to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.

โ€” Prime Minister Shehbaz SharifAnnouncing the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran.

Sharif extended congratulations to US President Donald Trump, highlighting his "steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for peaceful resolution." He also commended the wisdom and statesmanship of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian for embracing peace. The Prime Minister specifically recognized the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Eskandar Momeni, for their instrumental role in reaching the agreement.

May this memorandum of understanding serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region.

โ€” Prime Minister Shehbaz SharifExpressing his hopes for the long-term impact of the US-Iran peace agreement.

Further acknowledging the international support, Sharif made special mention of the efforts by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. He also expressed profound appreciation for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whose "tireless efforts, selfless dedication and instrumental role were critical in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing the cause of peace and regional stability." Sharif expressed hope that the memorandum would serve as an "enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region."

I express my profound respect and appreciation to His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Islamic Republic of Iran and President Masoud Pezeshkian for their wisdom, foresight and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace.

โ€” Prime Minister Shehbaz SharifAcknowledging the leadership of Iran in pursuing the peace deal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.