Pakistan Announces US-Iran Memorandum as Strait of Hormuz Set to Reopen Ahead of Switzerland Signing Ceremony
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Thursday that the United States and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending their ongoing conflict, with the agreement taking immediate effect.
Sharif said the Islamabad MoU would begin implementation immediately, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the United States lifting its naval blockade as the first steps under the agreement.
“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,” Sharif said in a post on X.
The announcement marks a potential breakthrough in the conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint that plays a critical role in global shipping and energy transportation.
Official Signing Ceremony in Switzerland
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the official signing ceremony of the memorandum will take place on Friday in Switzerland.
He added that Pakistan, with the support of Qatar as a co-mediator, will host the official ceremony scheduled for June 19, 2026. The event will formally commemorate the agreement and mark the beginning of technical-level discussions.
“Pakistan with the support of co-mediator State of Qatar will host the official ceremony as scheduled on 19 June 2026 in Switzerland, to commemorate this landmark event and commence with the technical level talks,” Sharif stated.
The agreement is expected to mark the formal conclusion of hostilities that have resulted in the deaths of more than 3,300 people in Iran and displaced thousands of others.
Regional Diplomacy Supports Maritime Security
Sharif thanked Qatar for its role as co-mediator and appreciated the efforts of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt for their “indispensable role and invaluable contributions” in supporting the diplomatic process.
He said regional cooperation helped achieve the breakthrough at a time when the conflict had created concerns over global energy supplies, maritime security, and international trade routes.
“May this Memorandum of Understanding serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region,” Sharif added.
Strait of Hormuz Reopening Could Impact Global Shipping
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes, with approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
The closure of the strait since early March disrupted maritime traffic, increased concerns over energy supply chains, and created uncertainty for oil tankers, shipping companies, and global markets.
At least 13 US service members have died since the conflict began, according to previous reports.
Read: Germany Sends Naval Vessels to Red Sea Ahead of Potential Strait of Hormuz Security Mission
The reported reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will be closely monitored by the international maritime industry as shipping operators, energy companies, and governments assess the impact on vessel movements, tanker operations, and global energy security.
