US-Iran Talks Begin in Switzerland as Pakistan Mediates

The United States and Iran have opened a new round of technical-level discussions in Switzerland, marking the first formal session aimed at implementing a memorandum of understanding the two sides signed earlier this month. The meeting is taking place in the resort town of Bürgenstock, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators to keep the process on track.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the talks are designed to move forward on the implementation of the US-Iran understanding while easing broader tensions in the region through structured diplomacy. Officials described this as the opening implementation meeting following the MoU, adding that additional rounds of dialogue are expected in the weeks ahead. Switzerland’s Foreign Minister also welcomed the Pakistani delegation upon arrival, acknowledging Islamabad’s part as one of the mediators of the agreement.

PM and Field Marshal Meet Vance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with US Vice President JD Vance in Switzerland on the margins of the ongoing US-Iran sessions. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, also took part in the meeting, underscoring Islamabad’s continued mediating role.

The meeting in Bürgenstock also included senior American officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to sources close to the discussions. It was held alongside the broader technical negotiations between Washington and Tehran taking place in the same Swiss town.

Pakistan and Qatar Join Mediation Efforts

Pakistan and Qatar are both taking part in the talks as mediators, working to keep communication open between the US and Iranian sides. The Foreign Office said Islamabad would continue backing the process as part of its wider diplomatic push for regional peace and stability.

Officials noted that the mediation work is centred on making sure both countries follow through on the commitments laid out in the agreement.

PM and Field Marshal Arrive in Switzerland

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Switzerland with a senior delegation to take part in the discussions, with the Prime Minister’s Office confirming that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir accompanied him. A Foreign Office spokesperson added that the Prime Minister would also hold separate bilateral meetings with other delegations in Bürgenstock to help move the implementation process forward.

Officials said Pakistan’s involvement is meant to strengthen diplomatic coordination and keep the agreement on schedule.

US and Iranian Delegations in Attendance

The American delegation in Switzerland includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, both already on the ground ahead of the talks. Vice President JD Vance later arrived to join the negotiations and is expected to remain in Switzerland for one to two days.

Iran’s delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with senior national security and central bank officials involved in the country’s diplomatic and economic affairs.

Iran Emphasises “Commitment for Commitment” Principle

Iranian officials have stressed that their participation rests on the principle of “commitment for commitment.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the visit is meant to review how the agreement is being carried out rather than open a fresh round of negotiations, adding that further progress will depend on both sides meeting their existing obligations.

Focus on the Nuclear Deal

The discussions are largely built around advancing an interim understanding between Washington and Tehran. Central issues include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions-related matters, and ways to reduce tensions across conflict-hit parts of the region. Diplomatic sources say the talks also touch on reinforcing a fragile ceasefire connected to ongoing tensions in Lebanon.

Maritime Security and the Strait of Hormuz on the Agenda

Maritime security is also on the table, particularly concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, alongside energy trade and regional shipping routes. Officials said the aim is to protect stability along key supply corridors while addressing wider regional security issues. Qatar continues to play a supporting role as a regional go-between, helping facilitate communication between the two sides.

Venue and Diplomatic Setting

The talks are being hosted at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne, a venue often chosen for high-level international negotiations because of its privacy, tight security, and capacity to accommodate several delegations at once. Officials said that despite earlier delays linked to regional developments, preparations for the meeting moved ahead smoothly.