Islamabad MoU and the Seven Points: What Pakistan's Foreign Office Says the US and Iran Have Agreed
The Foreign Office says the Islamabad MoU is in place and the US and Iran have shared seven points. See what it said on 1 and 9 October and what is not public.
Short answer: The Foreign Office says an "Islamabad MoU" between the United States and Iran is in place, that the two sides have now shared seven points and are talking directly, and that some of those points match the MoU. On 9 October 2026 it said Pakistan is still ready to help if asked. The text of the MoU and the seven points has not been published in the briefings we read.
Every Friday, a room of reporters asks the Foreign Office the same thing in new words: where does Pakistan stand between Washington and Tehran? The answers fill two transcripts, and they are easy to misread. Some phrases sound like a deal. Others describe talks. This article separates what the ministry said from what it did not.
We read the transcripts of the briefings on 1 October and 9 October 2026 on 12 October 2026. We quote the ministry's words and mark every claim that came from a reporter's question instead of the ministry.
The ministry says the MoU exists and is the foundation
On 1 October the spokesperson said Pakistan had been successful in bringing about the Islamabad MoU. He said the ministry understands that the MoU provides the basic foundation for resolving the dispute between the two parties.
He urged both sides to exercise restraint and to honour their respective commitments under the MoU. He called dialogue and diplomacy the only viable pathway.
That is a statement of Pakistan's position. It is not a published agreement. In the transcripts we read, the MoU is never reproduced, summarised clause by clause, or attached. So we cannot tell you what is in it.
The seven points are in play, and some match the MoU
On 1 October a reporter asked about "seven conditions being quoted in the press." The spokesperson said the ministry understands those seven conditions are among those the two parties had already agreed in the Islamabad MoU.
On 9 October he went further. He said both countries are engaged in discussions and have shared seven points. He said recent reports indicate the US government has also shared its perspective on those seven points.
He said the fact that the two countries are now communicating directly is a result of Pakistan's mediation efforts. He added that some points under discussion are fully aligned with the MoU.
| Date | What the Foreign Office said |
|---|---|
| 19 September | Foreign Minister Dar spoke with Iran's Foreign Minister and stressed uninterrupted energy supplies and safe passage of ships |
| 1 October | MoU is the basic foundation; the seven conditions quoted in the press are among those already agreed in it |
| 1 October | Pakistan and the US have remained in touch in recent weeks |
| 9 October | Both sides have shared seven points; the US has shared its view; direct communication is a result of mediation |
| 9 October | The MoU is in place and Pakistan will help again if needed |
What came from reporters, not from the ministry
At the 1 October briefing a reporter said the US President has repeatedly stated that the United States does not support or recognise the Islamabad MoU and seeks to negotiate a new agreement with Iran. The spokesperson did not address that claim in his answer.
We have not read the US statements the reporter referred to. So we cannot say whether the US position is as described. It is a question put to the ministry, not a fact.
Another reporter asked on 9 October whether Pakistan's mediation should now end, given that the Makkah defence agreement is being put into practice. The spokesperson said there is still a role for Pakistan and other important countries. Our explainer on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement covers the defence track separately.
Why shipping lanes keep coming up
The spokesperson said the objective is peace and stability across the region, sea lanes of communication kept open, and supply chains resumed. On 19 September the Foreign Minister had stressed uninterrupted energy supplies and the safe, expeditious passage of ships in his call with Iran's Foreign Minister.
This is where the talks reach Pakistani households. Pakistan imports most of its fuel from the Gulf by sea. Our report on Hormuz ship traffic at 12 percent of normal explains the link to petrol prices. And our earlier explainer on Pakistan's role in the US and Iran ceasefire gives the background to the MoU.
Nothing in the briefings promises a date for any change in shipping or prices. We make no forecast.
What is not known
Four things are not public in the material we read. First, the full text of the MoU. Second, the seven points themselves. Third, the US response in its own words. Fourth, any timetable.
- The Foreign Office says an MoU exists. It has not published it.
- Both sides have shared seven points. The points are not listed.
- Reports say the US has given its view. The ministry did not quote it.
- No date for a deal, a signing or a meeting was given.
If a social media post claims to list the seven points, check it against the ministry's transcript. Our guide on checking a Foreign Office statement shows how.
Common questions
What is the Islamabad MoU?
The Foreign Office says it is an understanding between the United States and Iran that Pakistan helped bring about. The text has not been published in the briefings we read.
What are the seven points?
The ministry says both sides have shared seven points and that some match the MoU. It has not listed them in the transcripts.
Are the US and Iran talking directly?
The spokesperson said on 9 October 2026 that the two countries are now communicating directly, as a result of Pakistan's mediation.
Is Pakistan still a mediator?
The spokesperson said there is still a role for Pakistan and other important countries, and that Pakistan would be happy to play it again if needed.
Does the US recognise the MoU?
A reporter said the US President has said it does not. The ministry did not respond to that claim in its answer, and we have not read the US statements.
Will this change petrol prices?
The briefings give no date or price effect. Ship traffic through Hormuz is the link, and it was reported at about 12 percent of normal in our latest report.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
We read the Foreign Office transcripts of the 1 October 2026 and 9 October 2026 briefings on 12 October 2026. Check the ministry's press release page for the next briefing.
About the author
Global Affairs & Political Economy Writer
Muhammad Hatim is a book lover who started writing because he enjoys it. At Pakistan Era he writes about international relations, geopolitics and the global economy, with a particular interest in South Asia and the forces behind current events.
