PARIS, Jun 18 (V7N) – The United States and Iran have formally signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and advancing diplomatic negotiations, with the agreement being signed virtually by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to confirmations from the White House and Iran's Foreign Ministry.
President Trump announced the signing on Wednesday evening while attending a post-G7 summit dinner at the Palace of Versailles in France. The agreement, known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, was facilitated through international mediation efforts led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Sharif welcomed the breakthrough and expressed confidence that the agreement would be implemented swiftly, describing it as an important step toward reducing tensions in the region.
Although the memorandum has already been signed electronically and is now in effect, negotiating teams from both countries are still expected to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday to discuss the next phase of negotiations, including issues related to sanctions and Iran's nuclear program. Officials said there will be no separate physical signing ceremony because the agreement has already been finalized virtually.
The agreement includes measures aimed at easing tensions in the Persian Gulf region. The United States has begun lifting its naval blockade around Iranian ports, while both sides have agreed to work toward restoring normal maritime traffic and regional stability.
Trump said U.S. military forces would remain in the Persian Gulf for several more days as implementation of the agreement proceeds, emphasizing that Washington would continue monitoring developments closely.
The memorandum marks one of the most significant diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran in recent years and opens a 60-day window for negotiations aimed at reaching a broader and more comprehensive agreement.
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