Qatar welcomed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts and voiced support for continued negotiations to promote regional stability and security.

Qatar welcomed the electronic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran on Thursday, covering the cessation of military operations and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that Qatar renews full appreciation for the partnership and efforts exerted by Pakistan and all regional and international parties to “de-escalate tensions, bridge viewpoints, and reach the signing of this memorandum.”

“The Ministry emphasises that the Memorandum of Understanding represents a solid foundation for advancing to the next stage of negotiations between the American and Iranian parties,” said the statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday aimed at ending the war between Washington, Israel and Tehran and launching negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump signed the agreement during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles following the G7 summit in France, while Iranian officials confirmed that President Pezeshkian had also signed the document. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the document had entered into force.

“The text of the memorandum of understanding was finalised with the signatures of the presidents,” Baghaei told IRNA. “Now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement.”

The agreement is intended to draw a line under the conflict that began on 28 February when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, prompting Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region. 

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt for their roles in helping secure the deal.

“I would especially like to acknowledge the sincere efforts and constructive engagement of the leadership of the State of Qatar in helping reach this point,” Sharif said.

“I also highly commend the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye and the Arab Republic of Egypt for their indispensable role and invaluable contributions in this regard.”

An official ceremony will be held in Switzerland on Friday, where technical talks are expected to begin.

Discussions are expected to cover sanctions relief, Iranian assets frozen in Qatar and Iran’s nuclear programme, according to Al Arabiya English sources.

Qatar and Pakistan are expected to participate in the talks, while some sessions may also involve Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Additional discussions are expected to address Lebanon and Hezbollah-related issues.

Welcoming the agreement, the Ministry said Qatar fully supports all efforts and constructive initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and stability, and achieving sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means, in line with international law and good neighbourliness