Switzerland has announced that a preliminary meeting between representatives from the United States, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, and other interested countries will take place on Friday, marking the first face-to-face negotiations since the landmark war-ending memorandum of understanding was finalized.
The Swiss government confirmed the Friday gathering as diplomatic momentum builds following the formal signing of the agreement between the two nations’ presidents earlier this week.
Leaders sign digitally as Trump inks copy at Versailles
The development comes after US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the memorandum of understanding electronically and remotely early Wednesday, finalizing the deal that brings an end to hostilities.
According to reports, Trump signed a copy of the agreement during a dinner with the French president at the Palace of Versailles, while a signed copy was simultaneously transmitted to Iranian authorities and the mediating countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei had earlier confirmed that the signing was conducted digitally, with no ceremony held in Switzerland, and that the text was formally ratified by the highest-ranking officials of both nations.
Friday talks to set stage for implementation
The Swiss-hosted meeting on Friday will bring together negotiators from both sides along with key mediators Pakistan and Qatar, who played instrumental roles in brokering the agreement. Other interested nations are also expected to participate as observers.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the preliminary talks will focus on establishing verification mechanisms, coordinating the implementation timeline, and addressing logistical arrangements for the 60-day negotiation period that follows the ceasefire.
Under the MoU, the war and all military operations have ended immediately, the US naval blockade against Iran has been lifted, and the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened to commercial shipping. The agreement also provides for a 60-day window to negotiate outstanding issues, including the lifting of all sanctions, the nuclear file, reconstruction, and economic development.
Iran stresses monitoring and reciprocal compliance
Tehran has emphasized that the agreement was built on “active distrust” of the United States, with Iranian officials warning that they will meticulously monitor US compliance and respond proportionally to any violations.
Baghaei noted that while the signing represents a significant diplomatic achievement, implementation remains the greater challenge particularly given past experiences with US commitments.
The Friday talks in Switzerland are seen as a critical first test of the new diplomatic framework, with both sides expected to outline their initial positions on sanctions relief, nuclear verification, and the broader regional stability mechanisms.
Source: Iranian media and Agencies (translated and edited by Al-Manar)