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Published Jun 23, 2026Updated Jun 23 Major2
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Pakistan PM says Iran's ballistic missile program excluded from US-Iran MOU
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the US-Iran memorandum of understanding does not mention Iran's ballistic missile program, stressing that the issue was never on the agenda or discussed during negotiations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Quick Facts
- Confirmed US-Iran MOU excludes Iran's ballistic missile program
- Stated missile program was never on the agenda or discussed
- Shehbaz Sharif
- Masoud Pezeshkian
- I would say with fullest command at my domain that this MOU does not mention about ballistic missiles. It was never on the table, it was never on the agenda and Iran side never wanted to even discuss about it.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Tuesday that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran does not address Tehran's ballistic missile program, asserting that the issue was never discussed during negotiations.
Speaking after talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif stated with full authority that the Islamabad MOU contains no mention of ballistic missiles. "It was never on the table, it was never on the agenda, and the Iran side never wanted to even discuss it," he said.
The remarks align with earlier statements from Sharif that the MOU primarily focuses on other areas of cooperation, excluding Iran's missile capabilities. The Pakistani leader emphasized that the omission was deliberate and that missile-related issues were not part of the bilateral discussions.
Sharif's clarification came amid international scrutiny of the US-Iran agreement, with analysts questioning whether the deal covers Iran's ballistic missile program. The prime minister's firm denial suggests that the MOU's scope remains limited to other diplomatic and economic matters.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Islamabad following Sharif's meeting with Pezeshkian, where the two leaders discussed regional cooperation and bilateral ties. Neither side provided further details on the content of the MOU.
Why This Matters
This clarification directly shapes international understanding of the US-Iran MOU's scope, signaling that ballistic missile concerns—often central to nuclear and regional security debates—were deliberately omitted. For investors, analysts, and policymakers tracking Iran's compliance or regional de-escalation, it implies the MOU is narrowly focused on other diplomatic and economic issues, potentially leaving missile-related tensions unresolved.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WirePakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif confirms US-Iran MOU excludes Iran's missile program
Jun 23, 2026
WireSharif reiterates that missile program was never discussed during talks with Iranian President