Pakistan announces US-Iran memorandum signed, ceremony Friday

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Thursday that Washington and Tehran had electronically signed a memorandum of understanding to end their ongoing war. "Islamabad MoU shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade," Sharif said in a post on X. The announcement marks a potential breakthrough in the conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched military action against Iran, prompting the Islamic Republic to close the vital maritime chokepoint.

Swiss ceremony scheduled

The official signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, Sharif added. "Pakistan with the support of co-mediator State of Qatar will host the official ceremony as scheduled on 19 June 2026 in Switzerland, to commemorate this landmark event and commence with the technical level talks," he stated. The event will mark the formal conclusion of hostilities that have killed more than 3,300 people in Iran and displaced thousands more.

Regional partners praised

Sharif thanked Qatar for its support as co-mediator and praised Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for "their indispensable role and invaluable contributions in this regard." He noted that collective regional diplomacy had helped secure the breakthrough amid rising global energy concerns. "May this Memorandum of Understanding serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region," Sharif added.

At least 13 US service members have died since the war began, according to previous reports. The Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass — has remained closed since early March, disrupting maritime traffic and threatening worldwide energy supplies.