GENEVA: The United States and Iran are set to begin negotiations on a final peace settlement in Switzerland on Friday, marking a significant step towards lasting stability in the Middle East following months of diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar.
The talks will begin immediately after the formal signing of a framework agreement at the Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne, with negotiators expected to work towards a comprehensive deal covering Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and broader regional security issues.
According to a senior US official, the framework agreement has already been signed electronically by US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that a new round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington would begin on Friday.
“Likely on Friday, a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States to reach a final agreement will begin,” Araghchi said.
“In the final agreement, decisions will be made on the nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions.”
Ghalibaf is expected to attend the signing ceremony, while Vice President Vance will represent the United States. Trump has also indicated he may attend.
The diplomatic breakthrough follows weeks of efforts to consolidate an April ceasefire and reduce tensions across the Gulf region.
Diplomats and regional officials have credited Pakistan with playing a key role in facilitating dialogue and encouraging both sides to remain engaged in negotiations during the difficult stages of the process.
Pakistani leadership remained actively involved in diplomatic outreach throughout the crisis, maintaining contacts with regional capitals and international stakeholders in support of de-escalation efforts.
Officials familiar with the talks said Pakistan worked closely with Qatar to help sustain momentum for negotiations that eventually led to the framework agreement.
The progress has also paved the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes.
President Trump said maritime traffic through the strategic waterway was returning to normal.
“Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
The prospect of uninterrupted shipping has boosted confidence in global markets, with oil prices falling sharply amid expectations of improved regional stability and secure energy supplies.
Iranian state media reported that Iranian tankers had resumed operations following the agreement, while Takht-Ravanchi said restrictions imposed during the crisis had already been lifted ahead of the formal signing ceremony.
Despite remaining differences over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, both sides have agreed to address the issues through negotiations during the 60 days following Friday’s ceremony.
Diplomats say the framework agreement has established a pathway for resolving long-standing disputes through dialogue, creating an opportunity to replace confrontation with diplomacy and economic engagement.
Asked when the framework text would be released, Trump said, “It’s a very powerful document, and I want it to be released. So probably pretty soon.”
The launch of formal negotiations is being widely viewed as one of the most significant diplomatic developments in the Middle East in recent years, offering renewed hope for regional stability, economic recovery and a durable peace between two long-time adversaries.
Pakistan to host US-Iran peace deal signing ceremony
Mediator Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran in Switzerland on Friday.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been reached and would be formally signed on June 19 in Switzerland.
In a statement posted on X, Prime Minister Sharif said both sides had declared the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon”. “The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland.”
PM Sharif said the agreement marks a “historic milestone” for global peace and diplomacy.
He said that after more than three months of sustained diplomatic efforts, Washington and Tehran have agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including related tensions in the wider Middle East region.
“This is not merely an agreement between two countries, but a victory for dialogue, restraint and diplomacy,” the prime minister said, congratulating the people of Pakistan and the international community on the development.
“The signing is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at Burgenstock,” the Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement.
The Swiss foreign ministry added that the location was proposed by Pakistani and Qatari mediators, as well as by the United States and Iran.
Pakistan will host the historic signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to end the Middle East conflict and restore peace.
