US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, while paving the way for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the agreement, referred to as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” has entered into force with immediate effect following its endorsement by the leaders of both countries.
According to Sharif, the memorandum was signed by the presidents of the United States and Iran and endorsed by Pakistan in its role as mediator.
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. The Memorandum has been signed by honourable Presidents of both the countries and also…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 18, 2026
“The Memorandum has been signed by the honourable presidents of both countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator,” Sharif said in a statement posted on social media.
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He described the agreement as a significant diplomatic breakthrough that reflects both sides’ commitment to resolving the conflict through dialogue.
Strait of Hormuz to reopen
Sharif said the first step under the agreement would be the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the lifting of the US naval blockade.
“The Islamabad MoU shall enter into force with immediate effect and, as a first step, the Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil exports.
The reopening is expected to ease concerns in international energy markets and improve maritime trade flows in the region.
Trump confirms signing in Versailles
President Trump confirmed that he signed the agreement during a visit to the Palace of Versailles in France.
“It’s signed,” Trump told reporters while leaving Versailles.
“I signed it in Versailles. Just signed it,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron later shared a video showing Trump signing the agreement and welcomed the development.
Le Président Trump a signé ce soir à Versailles l’accord entre l’Iran et les États-Unis.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 18, 2026
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
In a statement, Macron said the agreement “paves the way for lasting peace and allows the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
He added that the move could help lower global energy prices and reduce regional tensions.
Iran publishes images of signing
Iran’s official news agency IRNA released photographs showing President Pezeshkian signing the memorandum and displaying pages bearing both his signature and Trump's.
President Pezeshkian and his US counterpart Trump signed the MoU between Tehran and Washington digitally and remotely. pic.twitter.com/ratIJxoeLG
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) June 18, 2026
According to the agency, the document was signed in the early hours of Thursday and represents a framework to end what Tehran described as the “imposed war” against the Islamic Republic.
Pakistan and Qatar to host formal ceremony
Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan, with the support of co-mediator Qatar, will host an official ceremony in Switzerland on June 19 to commemorate the agreement and begin technical-level negotiations on its implementation.
“May this Memorandum of Understanding serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region,” Sharif said.
The ceremony is expected to mark the start of detailed discussions aimed at reaching a broader and more permanent settlement between Washington and Tehran.
Key objectives of the MoU
According to US officials, the agreement includes commitments related to:
- Ending military hostilities between the parties
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
- Lifting restrictions affecting maritime traffic
- Preventing Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons
- Launching negotiations toward a long-term peace framework
While the memorandum establishes an initial roadmap, further talks are expected to determine the final terms of a comprehensive agreement.
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