Memorandum of Understanding between the USA and Iran
Switzerland provides a discreet and reliable setting to facilitate talks at Bürgenstock on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran. Talks between the US, Iran and the mediators Pakistan and Qatar began on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at the Bürgenstock. You can find news on this here in the ticker.
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Media Corner: Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran
Photos
The FDFA offers free access to photos from the Bürgenstock meeting via its Flickr account.
22.06.2026 – Statement by the FDFA
Switzerland has taken note of the joint statement issued on 22 June by Qatar and Pakistan, the mediators between the United States and Iran in the context of the conflict in the Middle East.
Switzerland, in its role as facilitator, welcomes the constructive progress made during the intensive diplomatic talks that continued throughout the night of 21–22 June at the Bürgenstock between the mediators, Iran and the United States.
Switzerland welcomes the establishment of a high-level committee by the parties on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding. This is a positive step, which will help to structure the next phase of the political and technical process. Switzerland particularly welcomes the agreement on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. This roadmap creates the conditions for the immediate resumption of technical discussions.
Switzerland remains ready to support this process, in line with its tradition of good offices. Our aim is that our diplomacy contributes to de-escalation, stability and peace.
21.06.2026 – Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Bürgenstock
In talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister, Federal Councillor Cassis emphasised that Switzerland, which attaches great importance to mediation, dialogue and good offices, values Pakistan’s important role in supporting the ongoing talks on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran.
The Head of the FDFA reaffirmed Switzerland’s willingness to support initiatives aimed at de-escalation, regional stability and lasting peace.
21.06.2026 – Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets US Vice-President J.D. Vance at the Bürgenstock
They focused their discussions on the ongoing talks regarding the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which is essential for peace and stability in the Middle East. For Ignazio Cassis, the fact that these discussions are taking place in Switzerland represents an important first step.
This facilitation between the United States and Iran builds on a long tradition of good offices and a relationship of trust with the parties. This trust is based, in particular, on the protecting power mandate that Switzerland has exercised for nearly half a century on behalf of US interests in Iran.
In an unstable world, Ignazio Cassis emphasised the importance of providing channels for dialogue, helping to de-escalate tensions and supporting diplomatic efforts to promote peace.
This is how Switzerland can contribute to stability in the Middle East – stability which Switzerland itself also needs.
21.06.2026 – Federal Councillor Cassis meets Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi at the Bürgenstock
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, today at the Bürgenstock. This meeting forms part of the discussions between the United States and Iran on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries. The talks focused primarily on how to translate this agreement into concrete and operational steps.
This process is also built on a long-standing relationship of trust between Switzerland and Iran. Since 1980, Switzerland has acted as the protecting power for US interests in Iran. This long-standing role has contributed to maintaining a useful channel of communication between Washington and Tehran, even during difficult periods.
Switzerland welcomes the presence of the delegations in Switzerland, at the Bürgenstock, led on the US side by Vice-President J.D. Vance and on the Iranian side by the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. In the current context, the simple fact that the parties are present, that they are talking to each other and that they are continuing this dialogue already constitutes a significant contribution to the implementation of the agreement. This shows that diplomatic channels remain open and that the patient work of diplomacy can foster trust, even in complex situations. We know that implementing such an agreement presents a significant challenge, particularly when deadlines are tight and expectations are high. It is precisely at such times that diplomacy, discretion and trust are essential. Switzerland stands ready to support this implementation process, should the parties so wish. De-escalation and stabilisation in the Middle East are a priority for Swiss foreign policy.
21.06.2026 – Talks between the US and Iran are set to begin on Sunday
The US delegation, led by US Vice-President J.D. Vance, the Iranian delegation, led by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the mediators, Pakistan and Qatar, have arrived at the Bürgenstock.
Talks between the parties are set to begin during the course of the morning.
21.06.2026 – Arrival of the US delegation
The United States delegation is on its way to the Bürgenstock as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran.
20.06.2026 – Arrival of the Iranian delegation
The Iranian delegation is on its way to the Bürgenstock as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran.
20.06.2026 – Statement by the FDFA
Switzerland continues to provide a discreet and reliable setting to facilitate talks at Bürgenstock on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran. Diplomats from various countries currently present are continuing their efforts to maintain the dialogue. For reasons of confidentiality, no further information can be provided regarding those present or the discussions.
19.06.2026 – Talks at the Bürgenstock have been postponed
The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Bürgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present.
18.06.2026 – USA–Iran: Switzerland welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
Switzerland welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran yesterday by both countries. The signing is an important step toward de-escalation in the region.
Currently, the plan remains for the United States and Iran, along with the mediators Pakistan and Qatar, to meet tomorrow at the Bürgenstock for initial negotiations on the implementation of the agreement. No further information can be provided at this time regarding the agenda and details of this meeting.
17.06.2026 – Statement by the FDFA
For several days now, the FDFA has been in close contact with the United States of America, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar regarding the possible signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran in Switzerland.
At this stage, the signing is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at Bürgenstock in the canton of Nidwalden. The location was proposed by the Pakistani and Qatari mediators, as well as by the US and Iran. Switzerland is acting as a facilitator in this process, creating the practical and diplomatic conditions necessary for this meeting to take place on Swiss territory.
No further information can be provided at this stage regarding the procedure or the details of the planned signing.
17.06.2026 – Army assistance and airspace restrictions planned
On 17 June 2026, the Federal Council approved a security operation by the Army as part of an assistance mission to support the civil authorities at the announced meeting between the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran on 19 June 2026 at the Bürgenstock. This operation is subsidiary in nature and complements the security measures planned by the civil authorities. The Federal Council has also approved a temporary closure of the airspace during the meeting.
Contact
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