US and Iran agree to peace deal, Pakistan to host signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday

Peace deal announced

After more than three months of war between the United States and Iran, a final peace agreement was reached on Monday, June 15. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif broke the news in an early-morning post on X, stating that the text of the deal had been agreed and that his government was working with both sides to finalize next steps. US President Donald Trump confirmed the deal shortly afterwards on his Truth Social platform.

The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.

The war, which began on February 28, has killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and disrupted global energy markets by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices surged during the conflict, and the threat of broader instability loomed over the Middle East. The agreement calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Pakistan's mediation role

Pakistan emerged as the key mediator, with Prime Minister Sharif praising the efforts of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in a speech to the National Assembly. Sharif said Munir had been "awake all day and night" and "sacrificed day and night to extinguish the flames of war." He acknowledged that there were moments when the talks almost collapsed, but Munir's persistence kept them alive. "If this journey had not continued," Sharif said, "the dream of peace would have been shattered."

If this journey had not continued, the dream of peace would have been shattered.

Sharif also credited Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and China for their roles in the mediation. The unusually specific public acknowledgment offered a rare glimpse into how Pakistan pulled off what many had considered an improbable task.

Terms of the agreement

The 14-point memorandum of understanding, reported by Iran's Mehr News Agency, includes a US commitment to lift its naval blockade of Iran within 30 days and withdraw forces deployed near Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, shut by Iran since the conflict began, is to reopen for normal transit. Additionally, Iran's frozen assets, estimated at $24 billion, are likely to be released. A 60-day ceasefire will extend to Lebanon. Key issues such as Iran's nuclear program remain unresolved and will be subject to further negotiations.

Signing ceremony and next steps

The signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Geneva, and will be hosted by Pakistan. Sharif told lawmakers, "The ceremony of this historic agreement will take place on Friday June 19 in Geneva and, by the grace of God, will be presided by Pakistan." The event marks a diplomatic breakthrough after 107 days of conflict that threatened to destabilize the global economy.

The ceremony of this historic agreement will take place on Friday June 19 in Geneva and, by the grace of God, will be presided by Pakistan.

International response

World leaders have welcomed the announcement, though details of the deal remain scarce. The agreement, brokered by Pakistan with support from regional allies, represents a significant step toward easing Middle East tensions and restoring stability to global energy supplies.