Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, scheduled for today, June 19, will not take place. This was announced by the Swiss Foreign Ministry, according to Reuters.
“The planned talks between the U.S., Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work in Bürgenstock is continuing,” the ministry said.
U.S. authorities had previously announced their intention to hold a signing ceremony for the U.S.-Iran agreement in Switzerland on June 19, but the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed doubts about the necessity of the ceremony, given that the presidents of both countries, Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian, had signed the document separately on June 18. At that time, the U.S. president was in Versailles, where he had been invited by French President Emmanuel Macron following the conclusion of the G7 summit.
Apparently, something happened that has not been disclosed to the public.
Just the day before, on June 18, the parties had intended to hold a meeting. The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced that representatives from the U.S. and Iran, as well as mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, would gather in Bürgenstock.
On the night of June 19, the White House announced the cancellation of Vice President J.D. Vance’s trip to Switzerland. “The vice president is not leaving tonight. We expect to begin technical talks as soon as possible,” a White House spokesperson said.
According to the White House statement, the plans for the technical talks have not yet been finalized, although the U.S. delegation was ready to depart “at the earliest opportunity.” The statement also noted that organizing such meetings “has never been simple or predictable.”
The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum on the night of June 18 via video conference. It is considered the first step toward ending the armed conflict between the two countries and is intended to pave the way for negotiations on a broader agreement. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, whose country served as a mediator in the settlement, had previously announced that the parties would sign the agreement in Switzerland on June 19.
Following the signing of the memorandum, U.S. Central Command announced that the military had lifted the naval blockade on Iranian ports and ships. The deal also calls for a 60-day ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, during which the parties will continue negotiations on the final terms of the peace agreement.
