Islamabad Memorandum Finalized with Signatures of Iranian and U.S. Presidents
WANA (Jun 18) – Foreign Ministry spokesperson says the Islamabad Memorandum has been signed digitally by the presidents of Iran and the United States, stressing that the most challenging phase now lies in implementing the agreement, lifting sanctions, and advancing nuclear negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced early Thursday that the Islamabad Memorandum between Iran and the United States has been finalized through a digital, remote signing process by the presidents of both countries. He said the decision was made to increase the political cost of any potential violation of the agreement and to avoid what he described as unnecessary ceremonial arrangements.
Speaking during a televised interview, Baghaei explained that the original plan had been to hold a meeting in Switzerland where the document would be formally signed. However, after consultations over the past 24 hours, both sides concluded that a virtual signing by the two presidents would be the most appropriate option.
According to Baghaei, signatures from the highest-ranking officials of both countries give the agreement greater political and legal weight and make it more difficult for either side to disregard its commitments.
Switzerland Talks Still on the Agenda
The spokesperson said a planned meeting in Switzerland remains under consideration as part of the next phase of negotiations. He noted that discussions through mediators are continuing and that further decisions are expected in the coming hours.
Baghaei also addressed the delay in publishing the memorandum, saying it resulted from standard diplomatic procedures and a mutual understanding that the text would remain confidential until it was formally finalized. He added that Iranian officials had already outlined the main elements of the agreement during the negotiation process and that the published document contains few surprises.
End-of-War Agreement Does Not Mean Forgetting the Past
Referring to provisions related to Lebanon, Baghaei said the memorandum mentions Lebanon three times in its opening section and emphasizes the end of the conflict, respect for the country’s territorial integrity, and its national sovereignty.
At the same time, he cautioned that signing an agreement to end hostilities does not mean ignoring past experiences. He argued that implementing international agreements is often far more difficult than negotiating and drafting them.
According to Baghaei, both sides now face the more demanding task of ensuring that the commitments contained in the memorandum are fully respected and enforced.
Mutual Non-Interference Commitments
Commenting on the section dealing with non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, Baghaei said the obligations are reciprocal and apply equally to both parties.
He stressed that Iran considers this provision particularly important given what Tehran views as a long history of U.S. involvement in the internal affairs of Iran and other countries.
Baghaei said Iran has consistently portrayed itself as a responsible actor that operates within the framework of international law and that the focus now is on ensuring the other side adheres to its commitments.
Sixty Days of Talks on Sanctions and the Nuclear Issue
The spokesperson announced that a 60-day negotiation period will begin immediately following the signing of the memorandum. The talks will focus exclusively on two issues: sanctions relief and the nuclear file.
He said Tehran hopes the negotiations can be concluded in less than 60 days, arguing that every day sanctions remain in place carries economic costs for the country. Nevertheless, he described the 60-day timeline as reasonable given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved.
Baghaei added that the timeframe could be extended if both sides agree.
Maritime Restrictions Eased and Strait of Hormuz Reopened
Addressing the maritime provisions of the agreement, Baghaei said the United States had committed to lifting restrictions imposed on Iran’s maritime trade within 30 days, while Iran agreed to remove restrictions related to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
He stated that monitoring conducted by Iranian authorities indicates that Iranian vessels have recently been able to enter and leave ports without significant obstacles, suggesting that implementation of the U.S. commitment has already begun.
Baghaei also confirmed that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will gradually return to levels seen before March 1, with the normalization process expected to take place over a 30-day period.
Withdrawal of Foreign Forces Remains a Strategic Goal
In another part of his remarks, Baghaei described the withdrawal of foreign military forces from the region as a long-term strategic objective for Iran.
He argued that the presence of foreign troops has contributed to instability, conflict, and tensions across the region, adding that regional countries have borne the consequences of that presence.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also criticized what he described as the use of military facilities in neighboring countries for operations against Iran, saying such actions undermine principles of good-neighborly relations. He reiterated Tehran’s support for the creation of regional security arrangements based on cooperation, mutual trust, and participation by regional states themselves.
With the Islamabad Memorandum now formally finalized, the diplomatic process has moved from negotiation to implementation. Iranian officials argue that the success or failure of the agreement will ultimately depend on whether both sides honor their commitments and on the outcome of upcoming negotiations over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran Publishes 14-Point Islamabad Agreement with the U.S.
WANA (Jun 18) – The media committee of the Iranian negotiating delegation has released the text of the “Islamabad Understanding” between Iran and the United States. According to the Iranian side, the 14-point document outlines a framework for ending the war, launching negotiations toward a final agreement, and establishing a series of mutual commitments in […]
