Pakistan PM: Iran-US MoU Does Not Mention Tehran's Ballistic Missile Programme

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Tuesday that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was not included in the memorandum of understanding signed between Tehran and Washington. “Without a doubt, I can say that the ballistic missile issue was never a subject of discussion between Iran and the United States. It was not discussed at all, and it is not mentioned in the MoU. If you read the terms and conditions, there is no mention of ballistic missiles whatsoever,” Sharif stated during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Pakistan. He further added that there should be no double standards between different nations regarding the possession of ballistic missiles. The memorandum was signed remotely in the early hours of 18 June to end the military conflict that had been ongoing since 28 February. The MoU also sets a deadline for the US to lift its naval blockade and for Iran to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iran has committed not to acquire nuclear weapons, with the nuclear programme issue to be resolved through a separate agreement. Both parties are expected to negotiate this matter over the next 60 days. For Iran, the primary objective remains the lifting of a series of sanctions imposed against it.