PM Shehbaz says US, Iran have signed deal electronically; Iran to 'instantly' reopen Hormuz, US to 'immediately' lift blockade
AI Summary
The United States and Iran have finalized a 14-point interim agreement to end regional conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had strategically blocked. The deal includes US sanctions relief and unfreezing of Iranian assets in exchange for a ceasefire. Questions persist about full disclosure of the agreement's terms and Iran's implementation commitments.
Progressive: Progressive-leaning outlets emphasize the diplomatic achievement, focusing on the released agreement text and concrete provisions for sanctions relief and asset unfreezing as substantial gains securing regional stability.
Moderate: Centrist outlets provide factual reporting on the 14-point framework and its immediate effects, while acknowledging significant complexities in implementing sanctions relief and potential obstacles to finalizing a comprehensive agreement.
Conservative: Conservative-leaning outlets express skepticism about the deal's durability, highlighting Iran's proven ability to weaponize the Strait despite the accord and noting that the full agreement text has not been officially disclosed by both parties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said early on Thursday that the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) between the United States and Iran had been signed electronically by both sides.
“The memorandum has been signed by honourable presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator. The signing of this agreement at the highest level of the respective governments demonstrates the commitment of both sides to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict,” he said in a post on the social media platform X.
He added that the MoU shall “enter into force with immediate effect and 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”.
US President Donald Trump put his signature to 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 showed.
“Just signed it,” Trump told reporters as he emerged from the palace.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the document “was finalised with the signatures of the presidents”.
In his post on X, PM Shehbaz offered his congratulations to Trump, saying his “steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for peaceful resolution have once again helped end a conflict that could have led to devastating consequences for the region and beyond”. He also commended the dedication and efforts of the US team, including Vice President JD Vance, special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their “invaluable contributions to this achievement”.
PM Shehbaz also expressed his respect and appreciation for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for their “wisdom, foresight and statesmanship in embracing the cause of peace”.
“I also wish to recognise the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni, whose patience, perseverance and commitment to constructive engagement were instrumental in bringing this agreement to fruition,” he added.
PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the efforts and engagement of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt. He also made special mention of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying his “tireless efforts, selfless dedication and instrumental role were critical in facilitating this breakthrough and advancing the cause of peace and regional stability”.
“May this memorandum of understanding serve as an enduring foundation for greater understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the complete region,” he said.
Additional input from APP ...
이 뉴스, 독자들은 어떻게 느꼈나요?
첫 반응을 남겨보세요로그인하면 감정 반응에 참여할 수 있어요.