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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

US-Iran MOU Signing: Trump May Attend, Khamenei Expected to Skip

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between the U.S. and Iran is scheduled in Geneva, with U.S. Vice President Jaydy Vance expected to attend.
  • There is a possibility that U.S. President Donald Trump may also attend the ceremony, given his proximity after attending the G7 summit in France.
  • Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are slated to represent Iran at the signing.

A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran is set to be signed in Geneva on March 19, marking a potential de-escalation of regional tensions. U.S. Vice President Jaydy Vance is confirmed to attend the ceremony, signaling the importance the administration places on this agreement.

The detailed schedule is still being coordinated, but I am definitely planning to attend. There is also a possibility that the President himself will attend.

— Jaydy VanceU.S. Vice President Jaydy Vance spoke about the potential attendance of President Trump at the MOU signing ceremony.

Adding to the high-profile nature of the event, there is a possibility that U.S. President Donald Trump himself could make an appearance. Trump is scheduled to be in Europe for the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, which concludes just two days before the signing. Given the short distance between Evian-les-Bains and Geneva, Trump's attendance is a distinct possibility, though final schedule details are still being coordinated.

Representing Iran at the signing will be key figures who have spearheaded the negotiations. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, described as a "sophisticated and professional negotiator" who has impressed the U.S. team, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to be present. Both officials have previously met with U.S. negotiators, including Vice President Vance, in Islamabad in April.

Ghalibaf is a sophisticated and professional negotiator, and he has made a deep impression on the U.S. negotiating team as a potential leader of a new Iran.

— Washington PostThe Washington Post described Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's negotiating style and potential.

While the U.S. delegation is expected to be high-level, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is not anticipated to attend. Khamenei has remained out of the public eye since the start of the conflict, with speculation suggesting he may be recovering from injuries sustained in early U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. President Trump had previously indicated a willingness to meet Khamenei if an agreement was reached, stating he would show him respect.

If an agreement is reached, I may meet with him. If I meet him, I will show him respect.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump previously stated his willingness to meet with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if an agreement was finalized.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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