The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East and setting up two months of direct talks on a final settlement.

The signing ceremony was scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Bürgenstock resort in central Switzerland, a venue previously used for Ukraine peace talks. Swiss authorities confirmed they facilitated the meeting after days of coordination with Washington, Tehran, Pakistan and Qatar. Both President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the document — Trump physically at the Palace of Versailles in France, while Iran’s side signed electronically.

The 14-point MOU establishes a 60-day ceasefire extension and negotiation period. Key provisions include: immediate end to hostilities across all fronts including Lebanon, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within 30 days with no tolls, Iran removing sea mines from the waterway, and the US lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran also reaffirmed it will not pursue nuclear weapons.

Negotiations during the 60-day window will focus on the hardest issues: disposal of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, future uranium enrichment limits, sanctions relief, and release of frozen Iranian assets. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks on a final agreement will start immediately after the MOU signing. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend the Swiss talks.

Officials stress the MOU is a political framework, not a final peace deal. It still requires implementation and verification, with US forces remaining in the region during the 60 days and withdrawing only if a final agreement is reached. Switzerland is acting as mediator, providing diplomatic and logistical support for the process.

Source: Swissinfo, Reuters, Al Jazeera.