Pakistan: US and Iran Sign Memorandum, Strait of Hormuz to Reopen Immediately

US-Iran War Key News

Central Message

(ISLAMABAD, 18th - CNA International Wire) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced today that the United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end the Middle East war, meaning Iran will 'immediately' reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. maritime blockade on Iranian ports will 'immediately' cease.

According to AFP, Sharif wrote on social platform X that the memorandum 'will take effect immediately, with the first step being Iran's immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. immediately lifting the maritime blockade.'

He also confirmed that with Qatar's assistance, a formal signing ceremony will be held in Switzerland on the 19th to 'commemorate this landmark event and launch technical-level talks.'

As reported by the Associated Press, according to officials from both countries, the agreement will keep the Strait of Hormuz open for two months with no tolls charged, and includes a commitment to ensure the territorial integrity of Lebanon amid Israel's military actions against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

After days of confidentiality, U.S. officials anonymously briefed the media on the draft agreement, and the text later released by Iranian state television largely matched the version disclosed by the U.S.

Officials previously stated that Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance had signed online on the 14th, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for the 19th in Switzerland. However, on the 17th, Trump stated he had already signed the documents in France.

Trump said 'It's already signed' as he left the Palace of Versailles, having just finished a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron following the G7 summit.

Video posted online by White House staff shows Trump seated at a table beside Macron, signing the physical copy of the U.S.-Iran MOU, drawing applause from those present. Trump then handed the document and pen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Unnamed U.S. officials said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed on the 17th. It remains unclear whether this triggers a 60-day negotiation period toward a final agreement, or whether the document Trump signed at Versailles differs from the online version signed on the 14th. (Translation: Lu Ying-zi) 1150618

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