Peace talks between the US and Iran, initially slated for 19/6 at the Burgenstock resort, have been suspended. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the postponement but did not elaborate on the reasons. The ministry reiterated Switzerland's readiness to facilitate negotiations, adding that preparations at Burgenstock are ongoing.
The postponement comes after US officials confirmed on 18/5 that Vice President JD Vance had canceled his planned departure to Switzerland. A White House spokesperson affirmed the same day that logistical arrangements for negotiations with Iran "were never simple or predictable."
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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (left) and US Vice President JD Vance. *Photo: Reuters*. |
Iran has not commented on the development. However, the country had previously expressed readiness to begin negotiations in Switzerland. Tasnim news agency indicated that Iranian negotiators needed to see signs that the US would implement the interim deal. The agency also reported no confirmation of the Iranian delegation's travel to Switzerland.
According to Reuters, US officials stated that a signing ceremony for the US-Iran peace agreement was meant to occur in Switzerland. However, Tehran voiced skepticism regarding the plan, deeming it unnecessary after the presidents had already signed a document.
The earlier announced plan detailed that Vice President Vance was expected to arrive in Switzerland to sign the agreement with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on 19/6. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the mediator in the US-Iran agreement, also mentioned that a direct signing ceremony would be held to mark the landmark event and commence technical-level talks.
The US and Iran on 17/6 announced a 14-point agreement they had achieved. The document, titled "Islamabad Memorandum between US and Iran", includes key provisions such as: an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, and the establishment of a reconstruction fund valued at USD 300 billion.
The 14 points of the agreement
Both the US and Iran agreed to negotiate a final agreement within a maximum of 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. This final agreement will be approved by a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
Ngoc Anh (Reuters, CNN, AP)
