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From left: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. / Photo courtesy of Reuters, AFP, EPA, Yonhap News Agency

The Swiss government announced on June 16 that the signing ceremony for the peace memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, scheduled for June 19 (local time), will take place at the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock, rather than Geneva, which had previously been considered as the venue.

According to Reuters and AFP, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release on this day, "We have been in close contact with the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar regarding the potential signing of an MOU between the U.S. and Iran."

The department added, "At this stage, the signing is scheduled for Friday, June 19, in Bürgenstock, located in the canton of Nidwalden in central Switzerland," noting that "this venue was jointly proposed by the mediating nations—Pakistan and Qatar—alongside the United States and Iran."

The signing ceremony is expected to be attended by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Swiss government officials. AFP noted that U.S. President Donald Trump is unlikely to attend.

Bürgenstock, the host venue for the ceremony, is a luxury resort area nestled in the Alpine mountains. Situated on a ridge high above Lake Lucerne, the location offers a distinct advantage for security due to its limited accessibility.

In fact, the resort frequently hosts major international events, such as the 2024 Ukraine Peace Summit which drew delegations from around 100 countries. It has long been utilized as a retreat and an informal meeting site by global political leaders and royals, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and members of the Danish royal family.

                                                                                                            Park Jin-sook