The United States and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending months of conflict, reopening key maritime routes and launching negotiations toward a broader long-term agreement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the document had been digitally signed, while a White House official told Reuters that US President Donald Trump had approved the agreement after it was initially signed electronically by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Trump later confirmed the development, telling reporters that he signed the agreement at the Palace of Versailles in France.
The agreement enters into force immediately and includes an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. It also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iran.
According to Baghaei, the United States had originally planned to lift the blockade within 30 days. However, following recent developments in Lebanon and urgent diplomatic consultations, implementation was accelerated, with Iranian commercial vessels already reportedly moving through ports without disruption.
Baghaei said Tehran viewed securing a ceasefire in Lebanon as equally important as protecting Iran’s own national interests. He noted that Lebanon is specifically referenced multiple times in the agreement’s opening provisions, which include commitments to respect Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also stressed that Iran’s missile programme and defence capabilities were excluded from the negotiations.
“Iran’s missiles are for firing, not for negotiation,” Baghaei said, adding that Tehran would not discuss its defence assets with any party.
Under the terms of the MoU, Iran and the United States will now begin a 60-day negotiating period focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Both sides have agreed to maintain the current status of Iran’s nuclear activities while talks continue.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who helped mediate the negotiations alongside Qatar, announced that the agreement had been signed by the presidents of both countries and formally endorsed by him as mediator.
Sharif said the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” demonstrates the commitment of both sides to resolving the conflict through diplomacy rather than military action. He confirmed that Pakistan and Qatar will host a previously scheduled ceremony in Switzerland on 19 June 2026, where the agreement will be commemorated and technical negotiations formally launched.
Sharif also thanked Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt and numerous negotiators for their roles in reaching the breakthrough.
In Tehran, the signing was widely viewed as a decisive moment after months of war and uncertainty. Iranian state news agency IRNA published photographs showing President Pezeshkian signing the agreement and displaying pages bearing both his signature and that of Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron also released footage of Trump signing the document at Versailles, describing the agreement as an important step toward lasting peace and regional stability.
The deal has generated mixed reactions across the region. While supporters view it as a major diplomatic achievement that could reduce tensions and restore stability to international shipping routes, critics in Israel have expressed frustration that the agreement does not require Iran to dismantle its uranium enrichment programme, abandon its missile capabilities or sever ties with regional allies.
For now, attention is turning to the next phase of negotiations, as Washington and Tehran begin efforts to transform the interim memorandum into a comprehensive final agreement over the coming weeks.
