In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, the presidents of Iran and the United States have digitally signed a memorandum of understanding early Thursday, formally agreeing to halt hostilities and initiate a new phase of negotiations, with Pakistan serving as the key mediator.
Tehran-IranView24
ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN/WASHINGTON – June 18, 2026 – The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America have taken a decisive step toward ending their protracted conflict, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and President Donald Trump signing the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” in the early hours of Thursday.
The digital signing, confirmed by the White House and Iran’s Foreign Ministry, was completed remotely to underscore the commitment of both parties and raise the “costs of violating it,” according to Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. The agreement mandates an immediate and permanent cessation of all military operations, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the lifting of the US naval blockade, effective immediately.
Pakistan, which played a pivotal mediating role in the diplomatic process leading to the accord, officially endorsed the document. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the MoU as a mediator, with his office announcing that a formal ceremony will be hosted by Pakistan in Switzerland in the coming days. The memorandum serves as an interim understanding, with a new round of detailed negotiations scheduled to commence shortly to address the Iranian nuclear issue and the comprehensive removal of economic sanctions.
