The historic memorandum reached after weeks of diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran has officially entered into force. The text, referred to as the “Islamabad Memorandum Agreement,” was signed digitally by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. With the agreement now in force, a critical step has been taken to reduce the risk of war in the region, end the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and open a new negotiation process between the two sides.

The White House released footage showing Donald Trump signing the agreement. Donald Trump, who was in France for the G7 Leaders’ Summit, was seen signing the text during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles with French President Emmanuel Macron. Guests in the room welcomed the development with applause, while Emmanuel Macron described the agreement as “a right and important step.” Emmanuel Macron said the memorandum could open the way for lasting peace and help lower energy prices by allowing the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.

Iran also announced that the agreement had officially become final. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the text signed digitally by Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump was now in force. Esmail Baghaei stated that the official signing ceremony previously planned in Switzerland would not take place, adding that direct signatures by the heads of state gave the memorandum stronger political weight. According to the Iranian spokesperson, signing the agreement at the leadership level would increase the political cost of any violation by either side.

Strait of Hormuz to Reopen, Naval Blockade to Be Lifted

The first and most concrete result of the memorandum concerns the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that, with the agreement entering into force, Iran would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States would lift its naval blockade. The easing of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic energy routes, is seen as critical for global oil prices and energy security.

Shehbaz Sharif said the fact that the agreement was signed electronically by the leaders of both countries demonstrated Washington and Tehran’s willingness to resolve the crisis through diplomacy at the highest level. It was also announced that Pakistan, with Qatar’s support, would launch a formal process in Switzerland on June 19, 2026, to begin technical-level talks. At this stage, the implementation mechanism of the agreement, the military and diplomatic commitments of the parties and monitoring procedures are expected to be clarified.

“The Islamabad Memorandum Agreement will enter into force immediately, and as a first step, Iran will immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States will immediately lift the naval blockade.”Shehbaz Sharif

The agreement covers not only the Strait of Hormuz but also broader regional crisis issues. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Lebanon was given special importance in the text, noting that a ceasefire and the end of the war in Lebanon were among Iran’s key priorities. Esmail Baghaei said Lebanon was mentioned three times in the first section of the memorandum and that respect for the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty was clearly included in the text.

Sixty-Day Negotiation Process for Nuclear Program and Sanctions

With the memorandum now in force, a new negotiation process will begin between the United States and Iran on the nuclear program and sanctions. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the parties would begin talks on the nuclear issue and sanctions within 60 days of the agreement’s entry into force. Esmail Baghaei said it would be better if the process concluded earlier, but added that a 60-day timeline was reasonable given the complexity of the issue and could be extended if necessary.

Iran views the signing of the agreement as an important step toward ending the war, but believes the implementation phase will be more difficult. Esmail Baghaei stressed that the real challenge in international agreements is not drafting the text, but ensuring that the parties comply with their commitments. The Iranian spokesperson said Tehran remained cautious because of past experiences and that careful diplomacy would be needed in the coming period to make sure the other side fulfills its obligations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also thanked the countries that contributed to the process. Shehbaz Sharif thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and expressed appreciation for Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian Parliament and Negotiation Committee Chairman Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Highlighting Qatar’s mediation role, Shehbaz Sharif also thanked the leaders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt for their contributions to the process.

The U.S.-Iran memorandum is being viewed as a critical turning point for reducing the risk of regional war, securing energy routes and opening a new diplomatic channel on the nuclear file. However, whether the agreement turns into lasting peace will depend on the actual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the U.S. blockade, steps taken on sanctions and the course of the nuclear negotiations.