Bern

Switzerland has confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) linked to the proposed US-Iran peace initiative is expected to be formally signed on June 19 at the Burgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden, marking a significant step in efforts to reduce tensions across West Asia.

A spokesperson for Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said the Swiss government has been holding intensive consultations with all parties involved, including the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar, to facilitate the planned event.

According to the spokesperson, diplomatic contacts have been ongoing for several days regarding the possible signing of the agreement, which is currently scheduled to take place in Switzerland later this week.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry noted that the choice of Burgenstock as the venue emerged from discussions involving the mediators, Pakistan and Qatar, as well as representatives of the United States and Iran. Switzerland's role, the ministry said, is limited to facilitating the process by providing the necessary logistical and diplomatic support for the meeting.

Officials declined to disclose additional information about the format of the ceremony or the sequence of events, stating that further details would be released after consultations with the concerned parties are completed.

The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he may not personally attend the signing ceremony. Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron during the G7 Summit, Trump said his schedule remained uncertain but confirmed that Vice President JD Vance would participate in the event.

Trump suggested that he could still become involved in the proceedings depending on developments, but reiterated that Vance had been designated to represent the administration at the signing.

Vice President Vance subsequently stated that both Washington and Tehran had already completed a digital signing of the understanding. Speaking in a television interview, he said the preliminary agreement had been electronically endorsed by both sides, while emphasising that no sanctions relief or financial concessions had yet been granted to Iran.

Senior US administration officials also confirmed that President Trump and Vice President Vance had formally endorsed the memorandum outlining a framework for future engagement between the two countries. According to the officials, the document establishes broad principles governing future diplomatic relations, sanctions relief mechanisms and cooperation on issues related to Iran's nuclear programme and regional security commitments.

The officials further stated that Iranian parliamentary leadership had also signed the understanding, making it a mutually acknowledged framework intended to guide future negotiations and implementation efforts.

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The anticipated signing ceremony in Switzerland is being viewed as a potentially significant diplomatic milestone amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and create a foundation for longer-term engagement between Washington and Tehran.