Islamabad, June 18
Pakistan on Thursday announced that the United States and Iran had electronically signed a landmark peace agreement, raising hopes of an end to months of conflict and paving the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as a major diplomatic breakthrough saying it reflected both countries’ commitment to resolving their differences through dialogue. The deal, known as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding”, is set to be formally signed at a ceremony in Geneva on Friday, which Pakistan will co-host with Qatar.
Iran is expected to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the United States will begin lifting its naval blockade. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, carries around a fifth of the world’s oil supplies and is considered one of the most strategically important waterways for international trade.
Sharif praised US President Donald Trump for backing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and thanked American and Iranian negotiators for their role in reaching the agreement. He also acknowledged the contributions of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, saying their support was crucial to the peace process.
Pakistan and Qatar had been mediating between the two sides for months, first helping secure a ceasefire before facilitating broader negotiations. Sharif said the agreement demonstrated what could be achieved through sustained diplomatic engagement.
The conflict which lasted 107 days had triggered fears of a wider regional crisis and sent shockwaves through global energy markets. With the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz now expected, attention will turn to the formal signing ceremony and the next phase of efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and stability in the region.
