PM Shehbaz signs 'Islamabad MoU' as mediator between US and Iran

PM Shehbaz signs 'Islamabad MoU' as mediator between US and Iran

US President Donald Trump on Thursday wrote a Truth Social post slamming everyone who. in his words, believed he wasn't "tough enough on Iran."

Calling them out as "fools," he drew attention to the stock market hitting "A RECORD HIGH". oil prices "'tumbling'" down, going on to say that these individuals were "either jealous, bad people, or stupid."

His comments come as US Democratic lawmakers have voiced scepticism towards the deal.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen. D-NH, said during remarks at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC that she hasn’t seen the actual text of the MOU, calling the reported text a “full capitulation”

"The devil is in the details, and so far we haven't gotten a real signed agreement. That's why I would urge the president. the White House to release the agreement, whatever it is, as soon as possible to Congress..Based on the scorecard I'm keeping, I don't see what the wins are," she said.

Senior House Democrats also demanded a briefing on the agreement, with Representatives Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith. Jim Himes — ranking members of the Foreign Affairs, Armed Services and Intelligence committees — sending a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"For more than 15 weeks, the Administration left Congress. the American people in the dark about a war of choice that has proved to be a strategic failure," the lawmakers wrote, citing 14 service members killed and disrupted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

"While we welcome the Administration's turn toward diplomacy. its decision to end this war of choice, the Administration must provide Congress with greater details about the MoU, any side agreements, and the Administration's plan and strategy for the 60-day ceasefire period; including its approach to sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, and reported economic and reconstruction funds," they added.

The letter posed seven questions to Rubio, including whether the administration is complying with the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, how Iran's nuclear compliance will be monitored, what was agreed on Lebanon, whether limits exist on Iran's ballistic missile program,. how much the US has committed to the reported $300 billion reconstruction fund.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal. D-WA, released a video message on the US social media platform X demanding answers on the MOU, saying that the deal leaves the US worse off than before the war.

"The Strait of Hormuz apparently is now going to be open after 30 days. Well, guess what? It was open before the war started..We are literally going back to a position. is worse than when we started," she said.

PM Shehbaz signs 'Islamabad MoU' as mediator between US and Iran

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' as a mediator, formalising a major diplomatic breakthrough between the United States of America. the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The memorandum also carries the signatures of US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

اسلام آباد: 18 جون 2026.وزیراعظم پاکستان محمد شہباز شریف نے اسلام آباد مفاہمتی یاداشت (Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding) پر بطور ثالث دستخط کردئے۔اسلام آباد مفاہمتی یاداشت پر امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ اور ایران کے صدر مسعود پزشکیان کے دستخط موجود ہیں۔pic.twitter.com/af1F81DobA

Earlier, he announced the electronic signing of the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" between US President Donald Trump. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

In a post on X, he stated that "the Memorandum has been signed by the honourable Presidents of both countries. also endorsed by me as the mediator."

I am honoured to announce that the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ has been electronically signed today between the United States of America. the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Memorandum has been signed by honourable Presidents of both the countries and also…

He added that the memorandum would enter into force immediately. as a "first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade."

He extended his congratulations to Trump. the US negotiating team comprised of Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and extended his "profound respect and appreciation" to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Pezeshkian for "their wisdom, foresight and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace."

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

Shehbaz also acknowledged the efforts of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt for their contributions.

US and Iran presidents sign ceasefire agreement at Versailles

The US. Iran released the text of the Islamabad MoU that their presidents have signed to end their war on Wednesday.

Le Président Trump a signé ce soir à Versailles l’accord entre l’Iran et les États-Unis.Cet accord ouvre la voie à une paix durable et permet la réouverture du détroit d’Ormuz.C’est un pas important dans la bonne direction pour nos compatriotes…pic.twitter.com/b1XgZrBv0m

However, US President Donald Trump threatened to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their ​commitments.

Trump. attending the G7 with other leaders in France, also withdrew at least one of his stated rationales for attacking Iran in the first place, saying it would be "unfair" for Tehran not to have ballistic missiles, having previously ‌vowed to obliterate them.

"We're going to bomb the hell out of them if they violate the agreement," Trump said of Iran at a press conference. "I don't want them to. I want them to honour the agreement." He also called Iranians "smart people" as US. Iranian negotiators work on a permanent truce over the coming 60 days, which Trump said he hoped would usher in peace in the Middle East and lower oil prices.

Read:Trump says Iran accord to be signed 'shortly', 'maybe' Thursday or Friday

Earlier. he had said: "If I don't like it, if they don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head, OK?"

Iran's leaders did not address the new threats while celebrating the ​moment, releasing photographs of what is believed to be the first agreement signed by both a US. Iranian president since the Islamic Republic's founding in 1979.

"Everything we sought to achieve through military action. we obtained several times over through negotiation; it ​was not even comparable," Iran's lead negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told state television about the agreement, which includes the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

📸 Iran’s President Pezeshkian and his US counterpart Trump signed the MoU between Tehran and Washington digitally and remotely.Follow:https://t.co/7Dg3b41hTxpic.twitter.com/8GtQFZhuZ0

The US. Israel launched the war on Iran ⁠on February 28, assassinating the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly spiralled into a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran. Lebanon; driven up energy prices; renewed inflationary pressures and sparked concerns about a ​major food supply crisis in developing countries.

The 14-point agreement extends a ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days. including in Lebanon, to allow the two sides to negotiate a final truce. Both Trump. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed the memorandum in English and Farsi, US and Iran ​officials said, with Iran's foreign ministry saying the agreement was already in effect as of Wednesday.

Trump signed just before a grand dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles. the site of the signing of the eponymous treaty that formally ended World War One.

Iran's President Dr. Pezeshkian and U.S. President Trump have BOTH Signed the MoUAt 00:00 Eastern time, U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil, gas,. petrochemical products will be liftedHUGE: Sources are reporting that as part of the clause on non-interference in Iranian domestic…https://t.co/mHCQmNaLtIpic.twitter.com/6kn7If9h88

Trump also recanted his February promise to destroy all of Iran's missiles and "raze their missile industry to the ground."

"I'm saying that if other countries have them. it's a little bit unfair for them not to have some," Trump told reporters in Paris after leaving the summit.

"It's signed."President Trump told reporters he signed the Iran memorandum of understanding in Versailles as he departed the palace following a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron.A White House official says a photo of the signed agreement was sent to Iran. the…pic.twitter.com/HVELS6RYVB

Germany says two ships heading to Red Sea for potential Hormuz mission

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said Germany is ⁠deploying ⁠two ships to the Red Sea to prepare for a potential mine-clearing mission in the Strait ⁠of Hormuz. according toAl Jazeera.

Speaking as ⁠he arrived for a ⁠NATO meeting in Brussels, Pistorius said: “As we speak, our minesweeper ‌Fulda. the supply ship Mosel are sailing through the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea.”

Pistorius said approval would ⁠be needed from Iran. ⁠Oman before any participation ⁠in a minesweeping operation, and added any mission would also depend ‌on developments in further talks between Iran and ‌the ‌US.

Switzerland says talks planned for Friday between Iran and US

Initial talks between the United States. Iran are planned at the Buergenstock mountaintop resort in Switzerland on Friday, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington, the Swiss government said on Thursday.

"As things stand, the plan is still for the US. Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other involved countries, to meet tomorrow at Buergenstock for initial negotiations about implementing the agreement.

"No further information is currently available regarding the schedule. details of this meeting," the Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement.

G7 leaders welcome Iran deal

G7 leaders hailed the agreement at their summit. held in the French town of Evian-les-Bains, an hour's drive along the shore of Lake Geneva from where the US has said a formal signing ceremony for the ​US-Iran agreement was due to be held across the Swiss border on ​Friday.

But Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei cast doubt on ⁠this. tellingIRIB's News Networkthat, because the two presidents had already signed, "No signing ceremony will be held in Switzerland."

European leaders share US concerns about Iran's nuclear program, but never endorsed his decision to go to war without United Nations authorisation,. worry Iran has gained leverage by withstanding the superpower onslaught and asserting control over the strait.

The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Italy, Canada. the US demanded in ​a joint statement an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, where the memorandum calls for a halt to hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group that have killed thousands of people and displaced more ​than a million more.

Fighting there has abated ⁠but not ceased since the agreement was reached on Sunday,. Israel, which was not part of the negotiations and whose military is occupying southern Lebanon, says it retains the right to use force.

Russia welcomes US-Iran memorandum, urges all sides to prevent renewed escalation

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the US. Iran aimed at ending the war.

In a statement on its website, the ministry said, "We welcome the agreement reached remotely by the presidents of the two countries, Donald Trump. Miroslav Pezeschkian, to end the military conflict between the US and Iran. We note the firm mutual commitment demonstrated by Washington and Tehran to strictly adhere to the terms."

Calling on all parties involved in the confrontation to adhere to the agreement. avoid renewed violence, the ministry praised the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar.

Moscow said it was important that all parties involved in the conflict strictly follow the understandings during the period of negotiations. refrain from actions that could increase tensions in the region, including in Lebanon.

The ministry expressed hope that peace would restore trust among Persian Gulf states. help resume safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially reducing volatility in global energy and food markets.

"We hope that the establishment of peace will help restore trust in relations between states on both sides of the Persian Gulf,. that the resumption of safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," it said.

The ministry welcomed Iran’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in response to criticism of its nuclear program. while also supporting Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.

"We express our readiness to continue to provide significant diplomatic support for efforts aimed at sustainable. long-term stabilisation of the situation in the Middle East," it said.

China urges US, Iran to ‘uphold spirit’ of Islamabad MoU

China on Thursday urged Washington. Tehran to “uphold the spirit” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The signing of the first-stage agreement between the US. Iran has a “positive significance for easing tensions and consolidating the momentum for ceasefire,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

According to Pakistan, which mediated between the two warring sides since April 08, weeks after the US. Israel initiated war on Iran, the Islamabad MoU has entered into force with “immediate effect” after Trump and Pezeshkian electronically signed it during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

“China welcomes it,” said Lin, calling on the two sides to “uphold the spirit of the contract. earnestly fulfil their commitment.”

“Force is no solution,” said Lin, adding: “Negotiation on an equal footing is the right choice.”

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who announced the signing of the Islamabad MoU, said Iran will instantly “reopen the Strait of Hormuz. the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade.”

“It is hoped that the US. Iran will both approach the second stage of negotiations with a rational and practical attitude, working in the same direction and stride for the outcomes,” said the spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Iran says memorandum of understanding with US formally finalised after presidents sign text

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the “Islamabad memorandum” had become fully official after being signed by both Tehran. Washington, according to remarks carried by Iran’s semi-officialMehr News Agency.

Baghaei said the agreement would be signed digitally. confirmed that negotiations under the memorandum would focus exclusively on nuclear issues and sanctions relief.

He said the two sides would hold talks for up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending negotiations if necessary due to the complexity of the issues involved,. added that Tehran’s missile programme was off the table. “Iran’s missiles are only for firing, not for negotiation. Iran’s defence capabilities will not be discussed in any process with any party,” he said.

🇮🇷 Esmail Baghaei:You know. our MISSILES don't like to be talked about at all.Our missiles are just for launching, not for negotiating.https://t.co/53I68n3Vwipic.twitter.com/FzEgkZvjFv

The spokesperson also said US commitments regarding the lifting of its naval blockade had effectively begun following urgent talks after Israeli attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Iranian threats of retaliation.

He added that Iranian vessels had already entered. exited ports “without problems,” describing it as a sign that US commitments were beginning to take effect.

Baghaei said Iran’s commitments regarding the Strait of Hormuz would begin following the signing and implementation of the memorandum.

On Lebanon, Baghaei said Iran has shown it “does not abandon its friends”. that it was the US’s responsibility to compel Israel to respect commitments to Iran, as perAl Jazeera.

Baghaei added that Iran would not ship its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. that dilution of the material was “introduced as an option to close the door on other possibilities”.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said Iran will finalise a new regime to manage the waterway along with Oman. will “charge fees for services” there.

Iran releases 14-point draft agreement outlining US deal

IRNAon Wednesday published the text of an Islamabad memorandum of understanding between Iran. the US that outlines a roadmap to end their military conflict and negotiate a final agreement.

Below is the 14-point document released by Tehran:

‘We’ll know how to say no to the US,’ says Israeli minister

Amichai Chikli, a minister in the far-right government, said on Thursday that he doubts Israel will withdraw troops to the “Blue Line” – the UN-marked unofficial boundary separating Israel. Lebanon – even it faces pressure to do so from the US, as perAl Jazeera.

“If we return to the Blue Line it will be a failure,” Chikli was quoted by Israel’sArmy Radioas saying. “I don’t think we’re going to withdraw. If necessary, we’ll know how to say no to the United States.”

Tension is rising between the United States. Israel after President Trump publicly scolded Prime Minister Netanyahu for his handling of Israel’s war on Lebanon and the killing of “too many people”.

Iran has insisted that any long-term deal must include the end of Israel’s occupation of the south.

Netanyahu rejects ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has distanced Israel from the US-Iran agreement over his tactics in Lebanon against Hezbollah. The two men have repeatedly clashed over Israel's refusal to constrain its pursuit of Hezbollah in Lebanon. where a cessation of hostilities is a key Iranian demand.

Trump told reporters regarding Netanyahu that. "You don't have to knock down a building every time somebody walks ​into it that's from Hezbollah."

Lebanese state media reported fresh Israeli air strikes and artillery fire in several southern towns throughout Wednesday. Lebanese security sources said Hezbollah had also launched two drone attacks on Israeli forces in the south. The group did not publicly claim the attacks.

Israel later said five of its soldiers had been injured in two Hezbollah ​drone attacks in southern Lebanon.

Israel says troops operating 10 km inside Lebanon despite US-Iran accord

The Israeli military said on Thursday that its forces were operating in a security zone extending about 10 km (6 miles) into southern Lebanon. despite a provision in the interim US-Iran agreement calling for an immediate halt to military operations in Lebanon.

The military said the deployment was dictated by operational needs. that troops remained stationed in their designated area of operations.

Israeli strike kills 1 in Lebanon despite US-Iran deal taking effect

One person was killed. another critically injured Thursday in an Israeli drone strike targeting a car in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media, despite a US-Iran understanding aimed at ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, taking effect.

The strike hit a vehicle near the Kfar Tebnit-Arnon roundabout in the Nabatieh area, Lebanon’sNational News Agencyreported.

The incident came amid continued tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border despite a recent understanding between Washington. Tehran aimed at ending hostilities following attacks launched by Israel and the US against Iran on February 28.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said that halting Israeli military actions across regional fronts, particularly in Lebanon, is among the key objectives of a memorandum of understanding expected to be concluded between Tehran. Washington.

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades. others since the latest conflict between the two sides. During the recent military campaign, Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.

Israeli drone attack on southern Lebanon injures 2

A strike carried out by an Israeli drone in the town of Beit Yahoun in the Nabatieh governorate has wounded two people. the officialNational News Agencysays.

The agency reported an earlier drone strike targeted a car near the town of Kfar Tebnit, killing one person. seriously wounding another.

Iran has demanded that Israel stop its attacks on Lebanon. pull out all occupying forces as part of the agreement with the US to end the broader war.

Israeli soldier killed by ‘Hezbollah explosive device’

TheTimes of Israel. citing an "Israeli military investigation", is saying that a soldier killed in southern Lebanon died in a blast from a Hezbollah explosive device, according toAl Jazeera.

It said the attack took place at 5pm (19:00 PKT) on Wednesday as a group of soldiers from the Israeli military’s 36th Division were walking along the Litani River. The attack killed 29-year-old combat soldier Alexander Filin and injured seven other soldiers, according to the military.

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