Pakistani PM signs MoU as mediator in U.S.-Iran peace deal

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as mediator in the U.S.-Iran peace deal, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

Earlier in the day, Sharif said in a post on the social media platform X that the document had been electronically signed by the presidents of the United States and Iran, and endorsed by him in his role as mediator.

The agreement entered into force with immediate effect, he added.

Under the Islamabad MoU, Iran will immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States will lift its naval blockade as an initial step following the agreement's implementation.

Pakistan, with the support of co-mediator Qatar, will host an official ceremony in Switzerland on Friday to commemorate the agreement and launch technical-level talks between the two sides, according to the Pakistani prime minister.

Pakistani PM signs MoU as mediator in U.S.-Iran peace deal

Pakistani PM signs MoU as mediator in U.S.-Iran peace deal

Pakistani PM signs MoU as mediator in U.S.-Iran peace deal

Pakistani PM signs MoU as mediator in U.S.-Iran peace deal

As a charming plush sheep doll has gone viral on Chinese short-video platforms in recent weeks, merchants in Yiwu are busy meeting surging demand thanks to the city's highly integrated and flexible supply chain.

The handcrafted sheep dolls, dressed in colorful attire, have been a must-buy souvenir in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

While the toy draws inspiration from Xinjiang, it is officially authorized and mass-produced in Yiwu City, east China's Zhejiang Province, China's renowned small commodities hub.

The doll's explosive popularity has not only boosted sales of the plush toys themselves but has also driven strong demand for related accessories such as shoes, hats, and gemstone pendants.

In recent days, the toy section of Yiwu International Trade City has been bustling with buyers from across China and abroad rushing to secure bulk orders.

"[Domestic] buyers from Xinjiang came, and yesterday we even had buyers from Kazakhstan. They wanted to buy this sheep doll, with orders starting from 10,000 pieces," said Lou Zhenxian, a shop owner.

To keep up with the surging demand, merchants have been busy decorating and finishing dolls on the spot.

"We make one and sell one. I've been so busy my hands feel like they're about to catch fire," said Zhou Jiahuan, a shop assistant.

Gu Huijie, an accessories seller, quickly spotted the trend and immediately mobilized her team to produce matching accessory sets for the viral doll.

"Our design, production, and operations departments held a meeting. As soon as we decided to make this product, we started sourcing materials and working on designs and patterns throughout the night," said Gu Huijie, a shop owner.

Yiwu plush toy makers capitalize on viral 'Xinjiang sheep' doll craze