ISLAMABAD - In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, US President Donald Trump, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a landmark agreement to end the Middle East war, bringing it into effect two days ahead of schedule. The deal grants Tehran substantial economic relief and includes a preliminary commitment to dilute its enriched uranium stockpile.
Signing Ceremony at Versailles
President Trump signed the memorandum of understanding during a candlelit dinner at the Palace of Versailles following a G7 summit, as host French President Emmanuel Macron and other guests applauded. A video posted by a Trump aide captured the moment. “Just signed it,” Trump told reporters as he emerged from the palace.
The first clause of the MOU commits the parties “and their allies” to an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, with a pledge not to resume conflict.
Iran and Pakistan Confirm
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, quoted by state news agency IRNA, confirmed the document “was finalised with the signatures of the presidents.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, which mediated the agreement, announced on X that it “shall enter into force with immediate effect.”
In a video posted online by a White House aide, Trump was seen seated next to Macron, signing a paper copy of the agreement. He then handed the document and pen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio as applause filled the room. “This was not easy,” Trump remarked before signing, according to a social media video from Macron.
In Tehran, President Pezeshkian signed the deal on behalf of Iran, with IRNA posting an image of him holding the signed document alongside Trump’s signature.
Terms of the Agreement
The deal aims to conclude the war launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel, which prompted Iranian counterattacks with missiles and drones across the region and effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global waterway. The US responded by blocking shipping to and from Iranian ports.
PM Sharif wrote: “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.” Washington also commits to immediately waiving oil sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy. If a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is reached, the US will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations.
Shift from Planned Summit
The agreement was originally slated for signing during a Friday summit by Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and US Vice President JD Vance. PM Shehbaz Sharif postponed his Switzerland visit as the deal entered implementation. He stated that an official ceremony would still take place Friday in Switzerland with technical talks to commence. The Swiss foreign ministry noted the plan remained for the US, Iran, mediators Pakistan and Qatar, and other involved countries to meet at Burgenstock for initial implementation negotiations.
However, Iran’s Baghaei said the talks are not confirmed for now, explaining that the Friday meeting was paused once the presidents decided to sign the agreement directly.
Secrecy and Reactions
The deal had been shrouded in secrecy for days, with US officials refusing to disclose terms even after saying Trump and Vance digitally signed it over the weekend. Iran insisted the deal represented a US “failure.” Ghalibaf told state television: “Everything we sought to achieve through military action, we obtained several times over through negotiation; it was not even comparable.” He added that Tehran will charge ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz after a 60-day fee-free period stipulated in the MOU. “Iran has the right to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and of course we will receive a fee for services,” he said.
US Vice President JD Vance stated Thursday that Israel must respect the peace process, describing the agreement as beneficial for regional stability. “Israel will have to respect the peace process with Iran,” he told reporters, adding that attacks in Beirut causing civilian casualties were “not acceptable.” Vance confirmed the 60-day period officially began Thursday, with negotiators now focusing on unresolved issues including future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the US had already allowed more than a dozen ships to access Iranian ports after lifting the naval blockade, and 12.5 million barrels of oil had passed through the strait without Iranian interference.
Addressing long-term concerns, Vance said Washington expects any final deal to address Iran’s missile capabilities and ensure transparency over sanctions relief. “We do expect as part of a final deal Iran won’t have missiles that threaten the entire world,” he said, while expressing confidence in temporarily easing sanctions and monitoring Iran’s financial flows during implementation.
Gratitude and Future Cooperation
Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their pivotal role in facilitating mediation that led to the Islamabad Peace Deal. According to a PMO statement, Pezeshkian commended both leaders for their “extremely critical roles” in steering the process with “great skill and sincerity.”
During a telephone conversation lasting over 30 minutes, PM Sharif congratulated Pezeshkian, the Iranian leadership, and the people of Iran on the historic agreement. He described it as a significant step toward regional stability and Iran’s national reconstruction, while opening new avenues for stronger Pakistan-Iran cooperation. The prime minister also conveyed respects to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Iran in the next negotiation phase.
President Pezeshkian, speaking on behalf of the Iranian nation, thanked Pakistan’s leadership for its constructive engagement and noted that Iran would always remember Pakistan’s positive role. Both leaders agreed to exchange visits at the earliest opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional issues.
