ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday officially signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran in his role as a mediator, marking a significant diplomatic achievement aimed at reducing regional tensions.
According to reports, the prime minister is expected to travel to Switzerland to participate in follow-up discussions and meetings involving US and Iranian representatives after the signing of the agreement.
The document, already endorsed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, is being viewed as a major breakthrough that has eased fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Swiss authorities have confirmed that negotiations between Iran and the United States will be held on June 19 at the Bürgenstock Resort. Officials from both countries, along with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, are expected to discuss the implementation of the MoU and the roadmap toward a comprehensive agreement.
Earlier, senior US officials publicly presented the contents of the memorandum after it was signed, describing it as a crucial step toward restoring dialogue and promoting long-term regional stability.
President Trump also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the negotiations. Speaking to reporters after the G7 summit in France, he praised Pakistan and Qatar for their mediation efforts and described the memorandum as an important foundation for peace and stability in the region.
Both countries agree to an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, while pledging not to threaten or use force against each other and to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Washington and Tehran commit to respecting each other’s independence, territorial integrity, and internal affairs without interference.
The two sides aim to negotiate a final peace agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending the deadline by mutual consent.
The United States will begin lifting its naval blockade immediately and complete the process within 30 days, while also committing to withdraw nearby military forces after the final agreement.
Iran will facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman free of charge for 60 days and will work on restoring normal maritime traffic while coordinating future management of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman and other Gulf states.
The United States, together with regional partners, plans to establish a reconstruction and economic development package worth at least $300 billion for Iran, with implementation details to be finalized in the comprehensive agreement.
Washington commits to ending UN-related, multilateral, and unilateral sanctions against Iran according to an agreed schedule during the final negotiations.
Iran reaffirms that it will neither acquire nor develop nuclear weapons, while both countries agree to determine the future of enriched nuclear material under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision and negotiate a framework for Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities.
Until a final agreement is reached, Iran will maintain its current nuclear program and the United States will refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional military forces in the region.
The US Treasury will immediately issue waivers allowing Iranian crude oil exports and related financial, insurance, and transportation services, while also making Iran’s frozen assets available under mutually agreed procedures.
Both parties will establish a joint mechanism to monitor the implementation of the memorandum and ensure compliance with any future agreement.
Negotiations on the remaining provisions will begin once the initial confidence-building measures, including the ceasefire, maritime arrangements, sanctions waivers, and asset releases, are put into effect.
The final comprehensive agreement is intended to receive endorsement through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
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