Pakistan is set to host the official signing ceremony for a historic peace agreement between the United States and Iran in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 19. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the upcoming event to the National Assembly on Monday, following an earlier statement from US President Donald Trump confirming the finalization of the deal.
The agreement marks the culmination of intense diplomatic efforts to resolve a 107-day conflict between Washington and Tehran, which had severely impacted global energy markets. Sharif hailed the accord as a significant diplomatic achievement and a "new dawn" for international relations, commending the leadership of both nations for their patience during challenging negotiations.
Immediate Impacts of the Peace Accord
According to initial statements from the US, Iran, and Pakistan, the preliminary deal includes an immediate and permanent cessation of all military operations. This includes an end to hostilities in Lebanon, as confirmed by Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
- Strait of Hormuz Reopening: The critical Strait of Hormuz is slated to reopen to all commercial vessels immediately upon the memorandum's signing. US President Trump confirmed he had ordered the lifting of the blockade on Iranian ports. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that Iran, in coordination with Oman, would regulate marine traffic through the strait.
- US Blockade Lifted: The US blockade on Iranian ports will be lifted as soon as the agreement is signed, facilitating trade and energy flow.
Future Negotiations on Key Issues
While immediate military actions cease, more complex issues will be addressed in subsequent negotiations over the next 60 days:
Iran's Nuclear Program
Both sides confirmed Iran's commitment not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons, a long-standing promise from Tehran. A senior Iranian official stated that Iran would freeze its nuclear activity, including refraining from further uranium enrichment and expanding nuclear facilities, pending a final, comprehensive agreement.
Sanctions and Financial Matters
The US has agreed not to impose new sanctions during the negotiation period for a final deal. Initially, the US will waive oil sanctions for a specified duration, with all US and UN sanctions to be lifted according to an agreed timetable following a final agreement. Additionally, the US committed to releasing $25 billion of Iran's frozen assets through various mechanisms. Washington and its regional allies will also develop a reconstruction and development plan for Iran, to be negotiated within the 60-day timeframe. President Trump, however, clarified that Iran would not receive direct cash payments, though sanctions relief would proceed.
Pakistan's Pivotal Role in Mediation
Pakistan emerged as a crucial mediator in bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table. Prime Minister Sharif specifically lauded Field Marshal Asim Munir for his active involvement in de-escalating the conflict and fostering peace. He also extended gratitude to various political leaders, including former premier Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, for their unified support of the peace initiative.