US and Iranian negotiators gathered in Switzerland on Friday to begin a 60-day negotiation window after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier in the week [1, 2]. The MoU officially was signed Friday in Switzerland, with President Donald Trump signing the document earlier Wednesday at a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Iran signing separately in Tehran [2].
The agreement initiates talks but postpones major issues such as Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes [1, 2]. Trump wants Iran to either ship out or destroy its near-bomb-grade uranium stockpile, while Iran is willing to dilute it but wants to keep it. The US at times has demanded zero uranium enrichment. Iran refuses to give up its enrichment rights but has discussed a possible moratorium of five to 20 years [1].
Iran also insists on maintaining management control over the Strait of Hormuz despite agreeing to reopen it toll-free. The US says sanctions relief will be gradual and contingent on Iranian compliance, whereas Iran demands immediate lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen funds [1].
Trump has publicly praised the deal as a step to prevent nuclear war. He said, "Common sense. They don't want to get bombed," arguing Iran’s leadership does not want to risk military conflict over the Strait of Hormuz [2]. Meanwhile, the Swiss government announced that initial negotiations involving the US, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar will continue following the signing [2].
The negotiation window officially started with Friday’s meeting in Switzerland, marking a ground for diplomatic efforts amid longstanding tension. The parties aim to resolve key issues before the 60 days expire.
Earlier events in the timeline include President Trump posting on social media June 14 about progress in the US-Iran peace deal and urging "ships of the world" to "start your engines." The preliminary MoU was electronically signed June 15-16. Trump’s official signing occurred June 16 in Versailles, France, with Iran signing in Tehran the same day [2].
