SAEDNEWS: Pakistan's Prime Minister said early Thursday that, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, the first step would be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of Iran's maritime blockade.
According to SaedNews Agency's political desk, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated early Thursday that, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and the maritime blockade on Iran lifted as an initial step.
In a post on his official account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sharif wrote:
“I am proud to announce that the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ has today been signed electronically between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The memorandum has been signed by the esteemed presidents of both countries and endorsed by me as mediator.”
He further explained:
“The signing of this agreement at the highest level of the respective governments demonstrates the commitment of both parties to resolving this dispute through diplomacy. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding will take effect immediately. As a first step, the Islamic Republic of Iran will promptly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the United States will immediately lift the maritime blockade.”
According to the Pakistani Prime Minister’s statement:
“Pakistan, with the support of the State of Qatar as co-mediator, will host an official ceremony as scheduled on June 19, 2026, in Switzerland to commemorate this important development and initiate technical-level negotiations.”
Sharif continued:
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump, whose steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for a peaceful resolution once again helped bring an end to a conflict that could have led to devastating consequences for the region and beyond.”
He also claimed:
“I am grateful for the dedication and tireless efforts of the U.S. negotiating team, including James David Vance, Steven Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, for their valuable contributions to this achievement.”
The Pakistani Prime Minister further wrote:
“I express my profound respect and appreciation to His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and President Masoud Pezeshkian for their wisdom, foresight, and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Eskandar Momeni, whose patience, perseverance, and commitment to constructive engagement played a significant role in bringing this agreement to fruition.”
Regarding other mediators, Sharif stated:
“I would especially like to commend the sincere efforts and constructive engagement of the leadership of Qatar in helping reach this point. I am also deeply appreciative of the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Arab Republic of Egypt for their essential roles and valuable contributions in this regard.”
He also commented on Pakistan’s role:
“I would like to make special mention of Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose tireless efforts, selfless dedication, and effective role in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing the cause of regional peace and stability were of great importance.”
The Pakistani Prime Minister concluded:
“I hope this memorandum of understanding will serve as a lasting foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect, and shared prosperity throughout the region.”