US, Iran reach historic peace deal

June 15, 2026 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that the United States and Iran had reached a peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East, a development that was widely welcomed by world leaders as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

In a post on his X account, the prime minister said that following intensive talks, the peace deal between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran had been reached, with both sides agreeing to the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

“The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland,” PM Shehbaz wrote, adding that mediators would facilitate a series of meetings this week to lay the groundwork for technical discussions and the formal signing of the agreement.

The prime minister thanked the United States and Iran for their commitment to a diplomatic solution and expressed appreciation to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye for their support in achieving the breakthrough.

The agreement was welcomed across the world, with leaders describing it as a significant step toward regional peace, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and easing pressure on the global economy.

Pakistan’s diplomatic role also came into sharp focus, with several world leaders acknowledging Islamabad’s efforts in initiating ceasefire discussions and facilitating dialogue between the concerned parties.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement between the two countries, praising the breakthrough that establishes an immediate and lasting ceasefire, enables the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and lays the groundwork for continued diplomatic talks.

“This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict,” Guterres said, while expressing appreciation to Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other regional countries for their constructive role in supporting the negotiations.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong praised the mediation efforts of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other countries, reaffirming Australia’s support for de-escalation and welcoming progress toward restoring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the agreement as a significant step for regional peace and stability, while specifically commending Pakistan for its “exceptional mediation efforts” and acknowledging the role of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed gratitude to Pakistan and other partners for helping create conditions that led to the deal, including measures to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the accord resulted from wide-ranging diplomatic efforts and urged its swift and full implementation, adding that it could open the way for broader negotiations to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed the memorandum as an important breakthrough and praised the mediating countries, expressing hope that it would stabilize maritime routes and support progress on Iran’s nuclear issue.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated both sides on the diplomatic breakthrough, noting that effective implementation could strengthen global economic stability and improve security in the region.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a major step toward ending the conflict and restoring regional stability, also acknowledging the roles of President Donald Trump and mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and others.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the agreement, saying it would help ease tensions in a region vital to global trade and supply chains, including for Pacific economies affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, confirming its finalization and authorizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz alongside the removal of the US naval blockade, calling it a “great deal” that would enhance regional peace.

Throughout the crisis, Pakistan remained actively engaged in mediation and backchannel diplomacy efforts aimed at de-escalation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir maintained close coordination with key stakeholders to promote dialogue and a negotiated settlement.

An earlier ceasefire arrangement was also extended at Pakistan’s request as part of broader diplomatic efforts that ultimately contributed to the US-Iran agreement.

US President Donald Trump stated Sunday that a peace agreement with Iran remains on track to be signed within hours, though he angrily blamed Israel for causing a temporary delay.

Trump condemned an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, noting the attack "should not have happened" while final negotiations were underway, and explained that Israel's actions postponed the signing timeline by a few hours.

"It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now,” Trump said in a phone call to the Axios news outlet.

Trump expressed outrage at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Beirut attack, saying:

“it is so bad I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal.”

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the accord would be signed within the next 24 hours, noting that talks had entered their final stages.

On its part, Iran insists that any agreement to halt the war must include the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel has been attacking Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.

Earlier, Trump said an Israeli strike on Beirut “should not have happened” after it triggered a strong protest from Iran, casting doubt on the US president’s pledge that a peace deal would be signed Sunday.

However, the attack does not appear to have entirely dashed hopes for an accord. Both sides signaled that channels of dialogue remain open, and Trump maintained that a deal is still “close.”

Trump who over weeks of negotiations has repeatedly declared an accord with Iran was all but concluded—said after the attack that a deal was still at hand, urging those involved not to “blow it.”

“We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” Trump said on social media.

“This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day,” he added, possibly a reference to his hopes of a signing on Sunday, his 80th birthday.

Following days of momentum building toward a deal, Sunday’s strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs a Hezbollah stronghold prompted Iran’s chief negotiator to question the point of continuing peace talks.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on X that the attack:

“showed that the United States either lacks the will to implement its commitments or lacks the ability to do so,” Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X.

“If you do not have the will or the ability to fulfil your commitments, then there is no point in talking about continuing down this path,” he added.

In a sign that a diplomatic off-ramp remains available, Iran’s president stated Sunday that the country’s highest security body supported negotiations despite criticism from hard-liners.

“The Supreme National Security Council has concluded that the path of dialogue should be pursued,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said, pointedly adding that the council was in charge of “decisions regarding war and negotiations.”

President Asif Ali Zardari has welcomed the declaration of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.

In a post on X, he expressed hope that it would lead to a final agreement and help establish lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.

He said Pakistan has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy throughout this difficult period.

He described the development as an important step toward strengthening multilateralism and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes through engagement and mutual respect.

President Zardari also expressed hope that these efforts would bring greater peace, stability, and prosperity to the region and the world.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday hailed the peace accord reached between the United States and Iran, calling it a welcome development for regional harmony and security.

In a statement, he said the understanding between the two countries marked an important milestone in easing tensions and fostering a more stable environment across the region.

Kundi noted that Pakistan has consistently supported diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue as the preferred means of resolving international disputes. He said the willingness of both sides to pursue negotiations demonstrated a commitment to peace and cooperation.

The Governor praised the role played by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in advancing efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue.

He also recognized the contribution of Pakistan’s diplomatic corps and the Foreign Office, saying their engagement and coordination helped create momentum for the agreement.

Expressing optimism about the future, Kundi said the accord could pave the way for stronger economic ties, enhanced regional integration, and sustained peace, underscoring the value of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.

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