US-Iran deal to be signed in Geneva, hosted by Pakistan: Shehbaz

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the signing ceremony of the historic agreement to end the more than three-month-long conflict between the US and Iran will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. At the same time, he also said that Pakistan will host the event. He said that the agreement has been possible as a result of long mediation and diplomatic efforts and it is not just an agreement between the two countries, but a major victory for peace and dialogue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the signing ceremony of the peace agreement between the US and Iran will be held in Geneva, Switzerland next Friday (June 19) and it will be hosted by Pakistan. He said this while addressing the National Assembly session after announcing the agreement at midnight on Monday (June 15).

Shahbaz said that under this agreement, both sides have agreed on an end to the US-Iran war, lifting the US blockade on Iran and a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict began with the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February. Pakistan has played an active role in peace efforts throughout. The first round of talks between the two sides was held in Islamabad after a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in early April.

Although the historic direct talks between the US and Iran ended without any final agreement, they did not break. A few days later, Shahbaz Sharif announced that after intensive talks, the two sides had reached a “peace agreement”.

He wrote, “The two sides have announced an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

Speaking in the National Assembly, Shahbaz said that today the world has achieved a “historic milestone” in terms of peace. He said, “After three months and 16 days of relentless efforts, the United States and Iran have announced an immediate and permanent cessation of military activities, including the conflict in Lebanon.”

Referring to the signing ceremony in Geneva, he said that Pakistan will host the event. For this, he congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the National Assembly.

The Pakistani prime minister said that the advice of former prime minister and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif was always helpful to him. He also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and leaders of other political parties.

Shehbaz said, “This is not just an agreement between two countries; it is a victory of peace and dialogue, a diplomatic success.” At the same time, he highly praised the top leadership of the United States and Iran.

He said that the leadership of both countries showed patience and prudence even in difficult circumstances throughout the negotiation process. As a result, the world has witnessed this historic day today.

Shahbaz thanked Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for his positive role in the peace process. He also praised the leadership and cooperation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Pakistani prime minister also expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said, "I am also grateful to the United Kingdom, the member states of the European Union and other friendly countries of the world at this historic moment."

Shahbaz claimed that many countries have tried for decades to get the respect that Pakistan has earned due to its role in the peace process. He said that a "historic milestone" has been achieved through this agreement and Pakistan's name will be written in "golden letters" in history for its contribution to establishing peace.

News The Dawn