Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan will host the deal signing ceremony for peace deal between US and Iran
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 15th, 2026) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday confirmed that the United States and Iran will formally sign a peace agreement on June 19 in Geneva, with Pakistan facilitating and hosting the signing ceremony.
Addressing a National Assembly session, the prime minister said the agreement between Washington and Tehran would be concluded at an official ceremony scheduled for Friday, describing it as the outcome of sustained diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and promoting stability.
He said Pakistan had played a constructive role throughout the process by supporting dialogue between the two sides and encouraging de-escalation.
Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stating that both leaders worked “day and night” to advance diplomatic engagement.
He praised their efforts in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continued as Israel said it would not withdraw from areas it currently occupies in Lebanon, despite the reported interim understanding between the United States and Iran.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would retain its positions in parts of Lebanon, as well as in Syria and the Gaza Strip, describing them as essential for security and reaffirming that Israel’s policy remains unchanged.
His statement has added uncertainty to the emerging US-Iran diplomatic framework expected to be signed in Geneva later this week.
The Israeli minister also warned that any Iranian response to Israeli military action in Lebanon would face a strong counter-response.
The developments come amid continued Israeli strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon, including reported attacks in Beirut’s southern suburbs, further complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts linked to the US-Iran process.
The reported agreement between Washington and Tehran is also expected to cover broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and its stockpile of enriched uranium. The framework reportedly allows a 60-day period for negotiations on unresolved matters.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump welcomed the breakthrough and announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened for commercial shipping, with restrictions on Iranian maritime access lifted. However, he later clarified that these measures would only take effect after formal signing.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the agreement on state television, adding that Iran would not begin implementation until the accord is formally signed.
Pakistan was the first to announce the development, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying both sides had agreed to halt military operations across multiple fronts and move toward structured negotiations under a mediated diplomatic process.
