Negotiations between the US and Iran commenced in Switzerland, aiming to solidify a fragile interim deal to end ongoing hostilities. The talks are complicated by Iran's decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, a move made in response to perceived inaction by the US regarding Israel's military actions in Lebanon. US Vice President JD Vance, leading the American delegation, has expanded the agenda to include discussions on Lebanon, alongside the original focus on reopening the strait, lifting US sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and unfreezing Iranian assets.
Vance's arrival at the Qatari-owned Bürgenstock resort marks the second round of direct talks since the conflict escalated months ago. He previously met with Iranian officials in Islamabad. The Iranian delegation, led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, includes key figures such as the deputy oil minister and the governor of Iran’s central bank, indicating a strong focus on economic sanctions.
The first clause of a recently published memorandum of understanding stipulates a ceasefire across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, where violence has surged between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Vance expressed optimism about making progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire, stating,
Those are the two big things that I think we’re to be focused on.
As the talks unfold, the Swiss foreign ministry confirmed the presence of mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, facilitating the discussions. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson announced that Iran would first meet with mediators before engaging in a four-way meeting with the US and mediators later in the day.