By The South Asia Times 

ISLAMABAD, — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on early Friday that the United States and Iran had electronically signed a landmark agreement dubbed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU), which he described as a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending recent hostilities and restoring regional stability.

In a post on X, Sharif said he was “honoured to announce” that the historic memorandum had been signed by the presidents of both countries and endorsed by him in his role as 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,” Sharif wrote.

According to the Pakistani premier, the MoU enters into force immediately. As part of the first phase of implementation, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, while the United States will lift its naval blockade.

Sharif said Pakistan, with the support of co-mediator Qatar, would host the official signing ceremony in Switzerland on June 19, where technical-level talks are also expected to begin.

The prime minister praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as a commitment to diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, whose steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for peaceful resolution have once again helped end a conflict that could have led to devastating consequences for the region and beyond,” Sharif said.

He also commended members of the US negotiating team, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner, for their contributions to the agreement.

Sharif likewise paid tribute to Iran’s leadership, expressing “profound respect and appreciation” for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. He said their “wisdom, foresight and statesmanship” had helped advance the cause of peace.

The Pakistani leader also recognized the efforts of Iranian officials Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni, saying their patience and commitment to constructive engagement had been instrumental in bringing the accord to fruition.

Beyond the principal parties, Sharif highlighted the role played by regional mediators and partners. He thanked the leadership of Qatar for its “sincere efforts and constructive engagement” and praised Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for what he called their “indispensable role and invaluable contributions” to the diplomatic process.

Sharif also singled out Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying his “tireless efforts, selfless dedication and instrumental role” were critical in facilitating the breakthrough and promoting regional stability.

Concluding his statement, the prime minister expressed hope that the agreement would lay the groundwork for long-term peace and cooperation.

“May this Memorandum of Understanding serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region,” he said.

In his X post, Sharif tagged several key figures involved in the negotiations and diplomatic efforts, including US President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, underscoring what Islamabad portrayed as a broad international effort behind the agreement.