How Pakistan mediated a US-Iran agreement after more than 100 days of war

What Happened

Pakistan mediated a tentative agreement to end more than 100 days of war between the United States and Iran, announced on Monday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confirmed by US President Donald Trump. A signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Geneva. According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, the 14-point memorandum of understanding includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon; a US commitment to lift its naval blockade of Iran within 30 days and withdraw forces positioned near Iran; the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for normal transit; and the phased release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets over 60 days, during which further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program are to take place. Discussions on Iran’s missile program and support for armed groups have been set aside for now. Sharif credited Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, with keeping the talks alive during moments of near-collapse, noting his round-the-clock efforts. He also praised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and China. Negotiations were conducted under Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the latter was killed on February 28, the first day of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The agreement ends a conflict that killed thousands, predominantly in Iran and Lebanon, and disrupted global energy markets by closing the Strait of Hormuz. It marks the highest-level direct US-Iran engagement since 1979 and demonstrates Pakistan’s capacity as an honest broker, aided by China’s parallel peace plan. The deal temporarily sets aside Iran’s missile program and proxy support while prioritizing a nuclear follow-on negotiation, which could reshape regional security dynamics. The succession of Mojtaba Khamenei amid war adds a layer of domestic Iranian transition.

Watch For

The signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday is the immediate next step. Within 30 days, verification of US naval blockade lifting and force withdrawals near Iran; within 60 days, the phased release of frozen assets and the start of nuclear negotiations. Potential spoilers include hardliner pushback in Tehran or Washington, implementation disputes, and the status of Iran’s missile program and regional proxies if left unaddressed. IAEA inspections and compliance with nuclear talks will be critical indicators.