Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (IMoU) and the Fragility of Post-War Agreement

The Islamabad Memorandum may have opened a diplomatic channel between Washington and Tehran, but its future remains fragile. Deep mistrust, conflicting narratives, and Israel’s exclusion cast serious doubt on its durability, raising the possibility that it will prove to be only a temporary pause rather than a lasting peace framework.

A recent development, however, shows some signs of positivity as Pakistan has accelerated its pace of diplomacy. As per the official reports and statements, the understanding that has been reached between the two warring parties through mediation by Pakistan – being commonly referred to as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (IMoU) – has been signed by Iran and the US electronically, with an additional signature by Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif as mediator. Direct talks will be held between Iran and the US on the 19th of June, and as per current reports, the MoU will give the parties 60 days to chalk out a final ‘binding’ agreement.

However, the more pressing issue is not the durability of the MoU in the long term, but whether the parties even agree on what the memorandum contains. Each party is interpreting its clauses using their own lenses, which might eventually end up scrapping the peace deal all together.

Islamabad at the Epicentre of Diplomacy

In early 2025, when Israel was pressuring the US to attack Iran, President Trump issued a statement stating that the Pakistanis “know Iran very well, better than most.” Since the war started, Pakistan has been continuously trying to mediate between the US and Iran, and fortunately, both countries commended and supported Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Since Pakistan has been making efforts to appease and placate Trump and his administration, the country is in Trump’s good books. Likewise, Pakistan’s close and brotherly relations with Iran and its long-standing communication channels have also helped get Iran’s support and diplomatic cooperation. To protect its 900 km long border with Iran, save both countries from making irreversible mistakes and costing human lives, and revive its past position of eminence in global diplomacy, Pakistan has worked tirelessly to present itself as a credible, neutral, and impartial mediator.

What is the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding?

A few days back, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that “a final and agreed text” of the peace accord between Iran and the US has been agreed upon, with the next steps yet to be ironed out. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between Iran and the US has currently marked the official end to the ongoing conflict in all spheres, from Lebanon to Iran, paving the way for further negotiations on sanctions, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and regional security.

Two rounds of negotiations were planned. The first round entailed the signing of the MOU, and the other negotiation round pertains to the final agreement. According to reports, the time duration allocated for stage two negotiations is 60 days, but it might take longer depending on how well negotiations are moving along. As the trust deficit remains key on both sides, two stages of negotiations were vital to eradicate the imminent threat of heavy military intervention.

Inside the MoU: Key Provisions

As per CNN’s report, the following provisions have been announced:

The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war are signing this MOU to declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any........

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