Sharif hails commitment as 'historic' US-Iran MoU is signed

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Social media + Al Mayadeen English
18 Jun 2026 08:04

The Pakistani prime minister welcomes the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum, expressing hope for greater stability across West Asia.

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In this photo released by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks on the US's war on Iran, during an assembly session in the parliament in Islamabad, Pakistan, June 15, 2026 (Pakistan Prime Minister's Office via AP)

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the electronic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, affirming that the memorandum will enter into force with immediate effect, with its first step involving Washington immediately lifting its naval blockade on Iran and Tehran fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, simultaneously.

In a post on the social media platform X, Sharif said that the signing of the agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to reaching a diplomatic resolution, as part of efforts aimed at addressing outstanding issues through political channels.

I am honoured to announce that the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ has been electronically signed today between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Memorandum has been signed by honourable Presidents of both the countries and also…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 18, 2026

Sharif also congratulated US President Donald 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."

He further expressed his profound respect for Iranian Leader Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, praising “the wisdom, foresight, and leadership they demonstrated in choosing the path of peace.”

"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. I also wish to recognize the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni, whose patience, perseverance and commitment to constructive engagement were instrumental in bringing this agreement to fruition," he wrote.

In the post, Sharif also commended the efforts of the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Arab Republic of Egypt in helping reach this stage.

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

Iran-US MoU officially finalized after Presidents' signature: Baghaei

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced that the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States has been officially finalized after being signed digitally by the presidents of both countries.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Baghaei said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had already been signed by the time of his remarks, adding that the two sides had agreed to complete the process electronically rather than through a formal ceremony.

"As I speak with you now, the text of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding has probably been signed by the presidents of Iran and the United States," Baghaei said at the start of the conference, later confirming that it was officially signed.

He explained that the agreement was signed digitally and that no signing ceremony would be held in Switzerland. According to Baghaei, presidential signatures elevate the political weight of the agreement and increase the costs associated with any future violation.

"When the memorandum is signed by the presidents of the two countries, violating it will have a higher cost," he said.

The spokesperson added that the text had now been fully finalized and reflected all major issues that had been discussed throughout the negotiation process.

"The text of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding is now officially finalized because both parties have signed it," Baghaei said, adding that "there has been nothing left unsaid during this time."