US, Iran to hold initial talks in Switzerland following ceasefire agreement

The United States and Iran are set to hold initial talks at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland on Friday following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington, the Swiss government said on June 18.

The meeting is expected to mark the first step towards implementing the ceasefire deal reached after weeks of tensions between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Switzerland's foreign ministry said U.S. and Iranian representatives were expected to meet with mediators Pakistan and Qatar, along with other countries involved in the process, to begin discussions on carrying out the agreement.

The ministry provided few details about the planned gathering.

“No further information is currently available regarding the schedule and details of this meeting,” the ministry said.

A memorandum of understanding agreed by the United States and Iran this week reportedly extends their existing ceasefire by 60 days, providing a window for negotiations on a permanent peace agreement.

The deal, which has not yet been made public, leaves key disputes unresolved. Iran’s government remains in power, its stockpile of highly enriched uranium has not been surrendered, and its ballistic missile programme and support for regional groups such as Hezbollah are not currently part of the negotiations.

US President Donald Trump said the agreement ensures Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon, while US officials indicated future talks will focus on the fate of Tehran’s enriched uranium reserves.

By Aghakazim Guliyev