Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday applauded US President Donald Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for their efforts in restoring peace in West Asia, announcing that both parties had finalized the historic Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Historic Agreement Signed
Sharif commended the top US and Iranian leaders for their unwavering dedication to diplomacy and their embrace of peace, stating that the signing of the document would immediately lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world's total energy supplies transit.
The memorandum was signed by Trump at the Palace of Versailles in France, following a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron after the G7 summit on Wednesday. Shortly thereafter, Iranian media released images of President Masoud Pezeshkian holding a copy of the signed document.
Mediation Role of Pakistan
It is widely reported that Pakistan, a key mediator, will sign the memorandum in Switzerland during a formal ceremony scheduled for Friday. On Thursday, Sharif emphasized that the agreement, signed at the highest levels of both governments, demonstrated their commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. He also expressed gratitude to other West Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, and Egypt.
In a post on X, Sharif stated, "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."
Praise for Negotiators
Sharif highlighted Trump's steadfast commitment to diplomacy and his preference for peaceful resolution, which helped end a conflict that could have had devastating consequences for the region and beyond. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the US negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy for West Asia Steve Witkoff, and advisor Jared Kushner.
Expressing profound respect and appreciation for Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif praised their wisdom, foresight, and statesmanship in embracing peace. He also thanked the Iranian negotiating team, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, for their patience, perseverance, and commitment to constructive engagement.
Acknowledgments to Regional Leaders
Sharif further stated, "I would especially like to acknowledge the sincere efforts and constructive engagement of the leadership of the State of Qatar in helping reach this point. I also highly commend the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Turkiye, and the Arab Republic of Egypt for their indispensable role and invaluable contributions." He also mentioned Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, noting his tireless efforts, selfless dedication, and instrumental role in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing peace and regional stability.
The peace process was negotiated through mediators including Pakistan and Qatar, who initially secured a two-week ceasefire agreement on April 8. The ceasefire was subsequently extended until the completion of the talks.
