Amanze Chinonye
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has announced the signing of what he described as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” between the United States and Iran, a development he said would immediately halt hostilities and open the door to a broader diplomatic settlement between the two countries.
In a statement on Thursday, Sharif said the agreement was electronically signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Pakistan serving as mediator in the negotiations.
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According to Sharif, the memorandum took effect immediately upon signing, with Iran set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States expected to lift its naval blockade as the first steps toward implementing the agreement.
He described the deal as a landmark diplomatic achievement, saying it reflected the commitment of both governments to resolving a conflict that had threatened to destabilise the Middle East and disrupt global energy supplies.
Sharif praised Trump for what he called his commitment to diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, while also commending members of the U.S. negotiating team, including Vice President J. D. Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner, for their contributions to the negotiations.
The Pakistani leader also paid tribute to Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Pezeshkian, for embracing dialogue and supporting efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. He further acknowledged the role played by senior Iranian officials, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
Sharif also recognised the support of several regional actors, singling out the leadership of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for what he described as their constructive engagement and contributions to the mediation process.
He reserved special praise for Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, whom he credited with playing a critical role in facilitating the breakthrough and advancing regional peace efforts.
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The announcement came amid reports that Trump signed the memorandum at the historic Palace of Versailles in Versailles,France underscoring the significance attached to the agreement by the participating parties.
The memorandum is expected to serve as a framework for negotiations on a comprehensive settlement covering sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security arrangements and the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Beyond ending hostilities, it has the potential to lower tensions across the Middle East, restore confidence in one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes and ease concerns over global energy supplies, making the outcome of the negotiations closely watched by governments and markets alike.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
