TIMES International
The United States and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Pakistan announcing the agreement has already taken effect.
The deal, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, prolongs the truce in their ongoing conflict by 60 days and sets the stage for renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and frozen assets.
The arrangement was brokered with Pakistan acting as mediator and has been described as the “Islamabad MoU”, marking a new phase in efforts to stabilise a war that began on 28 February when US and Israeli strikes hit Iran.
A temporary ceasefire introduced on 8 April had paused the most intense fighting before this latest extension, according to Al Jazeera.
Under the agreement, the two sides are expected to resume structured negotiations over nuclear restrictions, US sanctions on Tehran, and the future of Iranian assets held abroad.
The reopening and regulation of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is also central to the framework, with wider discussions involving regional states and international actors planned during the 60-day window.
The deal has triggered a broad international reaction, with governments and organisations weighing its implications for regional stability, global energy flows and nuclear oversight.
Iran
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would closely monitor US compliance with the agreement “without any leniency” and warned that Iran would not fulfil its obligations if Washington failed to meet its commitments.
He said discussions during the 60-day period would focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief, while insisting that Tehran’s missile programme would not be included in talks.
He also said Iran would not transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad.
Baghaei added that Iran expected Israel to adhere to commitments through US pressure and said Tehran would develop a new mechanism with Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz, including the possibility of charging fees for services.
United States
US President Donald Trump signed the interim agreement at Versailles Palace, pausing briefly before signing the document and describing the process as difficult. “This was not easy,” he said.
The deal faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who argued it could weaken pressure on Iran and fail to meaningfully limit its nuclear programme, though others within the party welcomed it.
Senator Roger Marshall called it a “winning deal” in a post on X, saying it compared favourably to previous nuclear arrangements and praising the administration’s approach.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” had been electronically signed by both leaders and said he had endorsed the agreement in his role as mediator.
He said the deal demonstrated commitment from both sides to resolving the conflict through diplomacy and expressed hope that it would strengthen regional understanding and cooperation.
Sharif described the agreement as a foundation for “mutual respect and shared prosperity” across the region.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s foreign ministry described the agreement as an important step towards de-escalation.
It said the US and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other parties, would meet in Burgenstock on Friday for initial discussions on implementation of the deal.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi welcomed the agreement, saying the “technical work starts” now.
He said the agency would work with US and Iranian officials to develop a concrete framework for handling Iran’s nuclear programme and stressed the need for immediate engagement on implementation mechanisms.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron shared footage of Trump signing the agreement and said it paved the way for lasting peace and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the deal could help reduce energy prices and represented an important step forward for regional and international stability.
Hezbollah
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem described the agreement as a “big victory” for Iran and its supporters.
He linked the ceasefire to broader regional negotiations, including Lebanon’s stance toward Israel, and said discussions should focus only on mutual security.
He rejected any proposals involving disarmament, calling them unacceptable and warning they could undermine national stability.
China
China’s foreign ministry welcomed the agreement and urged both sides to approach upcoming negotiations rationally and pragmatically.
Spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing hoped all parties would fulfil their commitments under the deal and support continued dialogue.
Russia
Russia’s foreign ministry said it welcomed the ceasefire extension and supported efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.
