Switzerland has said that initial negotiations between the United States and Iran are still expected in the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock on Friday, Switzerland’s foreign ministry said.
The confirmation from the Ministry after US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a copy of the agreement known as “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding”.
“As things stand, the plan is still for the US and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other involved countries, to meet tomorrow at Bürgenstock for initial negotiations about implementing the agreement,” the ministry said in a statement on Thursday, CNN reported.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan, together with Qatar, will host an official ceremony in Switzerland on 19 June to mark the Iran-US agreement and initiate technical-level talks.
Sharif stated that the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” had been electronically signed between the United States and Iran, and that it was endorsed by the presidents of both countries as well as by him in his role as mediator.
“The agreement enters into force immediately, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the United States lifting its naval blockade as a first step,” he posted on X.
“I am honoured to announce that the historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ has been electronically signed today between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Memorandum has been signed by honourable Presidents of both the countries and also endorsed by me as the mediator. The signing of this agreement at the highest level of the respective governments demonstrates the commitment of both sides to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. Islamabad MoU shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade, ” Sharif said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, the Swiss government confirmed that initial negotiations between the United States and Iran are still planned to proceed on Friday at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne.
“As things stand, the plan is still for the US and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other involved countries, to meet tomorrow at Bürgenstock for initial negotiations about implementing the agreement,” the Swiss Foreign Ministry said.
Swiss authorities said approximately 2,000 troops would be deployed to secure the site, and a no-fly zone would be imposed over the area from June 18 to June 20 to ensure security.
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump whose steadfast commitment to diplomacy and preference for peaceful resolution have once again helped end a conflict that could have led to devastating consequences for the region and beyond. I also commend the dedication and tireless efforts of the United States negotiating team, including J.D. Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for their invaluable contributions to this achievement,” he said.
He appreciated the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni, whose patience, perseverance and commitment to constructive engagement were instrumental in bringing this agreement to fruition.
Applauding the part played by regional countries in resolving the conflict, he said, “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. 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.”
