US-Iran Peace Deal Signing Ceremony In Switzerland Called Off; Talks Shift To 60-Day Technical Negotiations | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 18, 2026, 20:08 IST

These technical discussions are projected to continue over multiple rounds spanning the next 60 days to iron out the finer points of the accord, sources say

In a dramatic diplomatic development on the eve of what was anticipated to be a historic geopolitical milestone, CNN-News18 has learnt that the scheduled signing ceremony for the US-Iran Peace Deal in Switzerland has been cancelled. High-level diplomatic sources confirm that no top Iranian leaders or United States officials will be travelling to Switzerland for the event, which was originally slated for Friday, June 19. Instead, the high-stakes process is pivoting towards protracted technical-level negotiations, with advance teams from the United States, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan currently stationed in Bürgenstock and Zurich to manage the transition. According to sources close to the development, these technical discussions are projected to continue over multiple rounds spanning the next 60 days to iron out the finer points of the accord.

The abrupt shift in the diplomatic schedule has also led to a major recalibration of Pakistan’s official itinerary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has cancelled his planned visit to Switzerland, with official sources indicating the trip was rendered unnecessary following the successful completion of the Memorandum of Understanding agenda. With the primary objective of the MoU secured, Pakistani officials noted that the Prime Minister’s presence is no longer required as the process enters its strictly technical phase.

This operational pivot follows a breakthrough diplomatic triumph for Islamabad, marked by the first formal talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the wake of the historic “Islamabad Peace Deal". During the discussions, the Iranian leadership lauded Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their critical mediation roles in brokering the landmark accord. As the region transitions into this complex next phase of negotiations, Pakistan has pledged its unwavering support for Iran’s rebuilding efforts. To further cement bilateral ties and solidify regional peace, leadership from both Pakistan and Iran have agreed to upcoming capital visits, anchoring Islamabad’s position as a central guarantor of the emerging peace framework.

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Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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