Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday commended Pakistan's role in facilitating and supporting diplomatic efforts that contributed to the recent understanding between the United States and Iran during a telephone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Leaders Welcome Understanding
In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two leaders “welcomed the understanding reached between the United States and Iran”, describing it as significant for the wider international community. The post read: “Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi. The two leaders welcomed the understanding reached between the United States and Iran, noting its significance…”
Japan Appreciates Pakistan's Mediatory Role
During the call, “Japan’s Foreign Minister conveyed Japan’s deep appreciation and commendation for Pakistan’s sustained mediatory role and constructive efforts throughout the process, which helped facilitate and advance the outcome achieved.” The two sides also reaffirmed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and “the need to maintain close contact and regular exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations and coordination on issues of mutual interest.”
According to the foreign ministry statement, the conversation reflected shared support for dialogue and diplomacy in addressing international tensions.
Details of the Deal
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier on Monday announced that a deal had been struck and said that the memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland. The precise terms were not immediately known. The prime minister said in a post on X that the pact called for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” There was no immediate reaction to the announcement from Israel, which has said it was not party to the US-Iran talks.
Draft Memorandum Outlined
Iranian media published details Monday of a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US laying out a proposed framework to end the war and move toward a final agreement. The draft provides for the full lifting of the US naval blockade against Iran within 30 days. It also calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days under Iranian arrangements.
Since mid-March, Trump has repeatedly claimed a deal with Iran to end the war was close. The two sides have traded strikes this week, straining a ceasefire announced in April. The region has been on edge since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in late February, triggering Iranian retaliation on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets. A temporary ceasefire was reached on April 8 in Islamabad, but negotiations later stalled amid disputes over its implementation and subsequent regional developments, even as Trump extended the truce indefinitely.
