Prime Minister Shehbaz signs ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ as mediator between US and Iran

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ as mediator, formalizing a major diplomatic breakthrough between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The memorandum also bears the signatures of US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Earlier in the day, Sharif said, “I have the honor to announce that the ‘Historic Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ was signed electronically today between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The memorandum was signed by the honorable presidents of both countries and also approved by me as mediator,” the Prime Minister had earlier announced on his X timeline.

He added that the memorandum would come into force immediately and as a first step, the Islamic Republic of Iran would instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America would immediately lift the naval blockade.

The United States and Israel launched war against Iran on February 28, assassinating 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly escalated into a regional conflict that killed more than 7,000 people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon; an increase in energy prices; has reignited inflationary pressures and raised concerns about a major food supply crisis in developing countries.

The 14-point agreement extends the ceasefire announced in April for another 60 days, including in Lebanon, to allow the two sides to negotiate a final truce. Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed the memorandum in English and Farsi, U.S. and Iranian officials said, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry saying the agreement was already in effect on Wednesday.

Trump signed just before a big dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, the site of the signing of the eponymous treaty that officially ended World War I.

The United States and Iran on Wednesday released the text of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding that their presidents signed to end their war. However, US President Donald Trump had threatened to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they did not meet their commitments.

Trump, who was attending the G7 with other leaders in France, also withdrew at least one of his stated justifications for attacking Iran, saying it would be “unfair” for Tehran not to have ballistic missiles, after previously “vowing to wipe them out.”

“We’re going to bomb them if they violate the deal,” Trump said of Iran at a news conference. “I don’t want them to do it. I want them to honor the agreement.” He also called the Iranians “smart people” as U.S. and Iranian negotiators work on a permanent truce over the next 60 days, which Trump said would usher in peace in the Middle East and lower oil prices.

Iranian leaders have not responded to the new threats while celebrating the moment, releasing photographs of what is considered the first agreement signed by a U.S. and Iranian president since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

Switzerland announces talks planned for Friday between Iran and the United States

The first talks between the United States and Iran are scheduled for Friday at Buergenstock resort in Switzerland, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington, the Swiss government announced Thursday.

“As things stand, it is still planned that the United States and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan, Qatar and other relevant countries, will meet tomorrow in Buergenstock for initial negotiations on the implementation of the agreement.

“No further information is currently available regarding the schedule and details of this meeting,” the Swiss Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Iran releases draft 14-point deal outlining US deal

IRNA on Wednesday released the text of an Islamabad memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States that outlines a road map for ending their military conflict and negotiating a final agreement.

Below is the 14-point document released by Tehran:

1. The Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States of America and their respective allies in the current war, by signing this memorandum of understanding, declare the immediate and definitive cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. They undertake not to launch any war or military operations against each other in the future, to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other and to guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final agreement will confirm the definitive end of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, as well as the rest of the provisions of this clause.
2. Iran and the United States commit to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and refraining from interference in each other’s internal affairs.
3. Iran and the United States undertake to conduct negotiations and reach a final agreement within a maximum period of 60 days, extendable by mutual agreement.
4. Immediately upon signing this memorandum, the United States will begin lifting its naval blockade and any harassment or obstruction directed against Iran and will completely end the blockade within 30 days. During this period, maritime traffic will be maintained at levels corresponding to the pre-war traffic restored by Iran. The United States also commits to withdrawing its military forces from the area surrounding Iran within 30 days of a final agreement.
5. By signing this memorandum, Iran will do its utmost to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels, free of charge for 60 days, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Commercial shipping will resume immediately and, subject to the removal of technical and military obstacles and mine clearance operations by Iran, will be fully restored within 30 days. Iran will hold discussions with the Sultanate of Oman regarding the future administration and maritime services of the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal States, and will also consult with other Gulf coastal States.
6. The United States commits, with its regional partners, to establishing an agreed program providing at least $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development. The implementation mechanism of this program will be finalized within 60 days as part of the final agreement. The United States will provide all necessary approvals, waivers, and licenses for related financial transactions.
7. The United States commits to ending all sanctions against Iran, including those arising from UN Security Council resolutions, resolutions of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and all US unilateral sanctions, both primary and secondary, according to a mutually agreed timetable as part of the final agreement. Both sides recognize the fundamental importance of sanctions relief and express their intention to address this issue expeditiously during negotiations.
8. Iran reaffirms that it will not produce or acquire nuclear weapons. Iran and the United States agree to resolve the status of stored enriched materials through a mutually agreed upon mechanism and in accordance with the timetable set forth in Article 7, at a minimum by on-site dilution under the supervision of the IAEA. The parties also agree to discuss enrichment and other mutually agreed nuclear issues related to Iran’s nuclear needs within a satisfactory framework to be established in the final agreement. The final agreement will confirm the provisions of this clause. Both parties recognize the fundamental importance of these nuclear issues and intend to address them quickly in the negotiations.
9. Iran and the United States agree to maintain the status quo until a final agreement is reached. Iran will maintain the current status of its nuclear program, while the United States will not impose any new sanctions on Iran or deploy additional military forces in the region.
10. The United States undertakes, immediately following the signing of this memorandum and until sanctions are lifted, to grant waivers to the Department of the Treasury for the export of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals and derivatives, as well as for all related services, including banking, insurance, transportation and other related activities.
11. The United States commits to making all restricted or frozen Iranian funds and assets fully available for use upon implementation of this memorandum. The two parties will agree bilaterally on the terms of release of these funds during the negotiations. Whether the funds remain in their original accounts or are transferred, they must be fully usable for payments to any final beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of Iran. The United States undertakes to issue all necessary approvals and licenses in this regard.
12. Iran and the United States agree to establish an implementation mechanism to monitor the proper execution of this memorandum and future compliance with the final agreement.
13. Following the signing of this memorandum, and subject to the commencement and continued implementation of clauses 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11, Iran and the United States will enter into negotiations on a final agreement relating exclusively to the remaining clauses.
14. The final agreement will be approved by a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.