Web Desk: Delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar opened four-party negotiations in Switzerland on Sunday, marking a new diplomatic effort aimed at sustaining an interim understanding and reducing tensions following recent regional hostilities.
The talks, held in the Swiss resort town of Burgenstock, bring together senior representatives from Washington and Tehran, while Pakistan and Qatar are participating in facilitation and mediation roles, officials familiar with the discussions said.
Iran’s delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian officials said their primary objective is to secure full implementation of an interim agreement designed to halt the conflict and create conditions for broader political engagement.
Negotiators began technical discussions on mechanisms to uphold commitments made under the temporary arrangement, according to participants briefed on the meetings.
The opening session also addressed wider diplomatic initiatives and the regional security landscape, reflecting efforts by all sides to prevent further escalation and build confidence between longstanding adversaries.
Although officials did not disclose details of the agenda, participants described the discussions as a first step toward establishing a framework for continued dialogue.
Speaking during the conference, US Vice President JD Vance expressed support for the diplomatic process and said cooperation among the parties could help advance stability and economic progress.
“We will work together to promote peace and prosperity,” Vance said during remarks at the gathering.
He also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication between the parties and credited Pakistani leaders for helping create conditions conducive to dialogue.
According to participants, Vance spoke positively about his recent engagements with Pakistan’s leadership and highlighted the importance of sustained diplomatic channels during periods of regional tension.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told delegates that Islamabad was participating in the process to support international peace and encourage constructive engagement among all parties.
He said negotiations remained the most effective path for resolving disputes and building long-term stability.
Sharif also pointed to the contributions of several international leaders in supporting diplomatic outreach efforts that ultimately led to the launch of the Switzerland talks.
Meanwhile, Pakistani officials described the start of negotiations as an important opportunity to strengthen diplomacy at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The talks represent one of the most significant direct diplomatic engagements involving Washington and Tehran in recent months and are being closely watched by regional and international observers.
The involvement of Pakistan and Qatar reflects a growing reliance on regional intermediaries to facilitate communication between rival states during sensitive negotiations.
While major breakthroughs are not expected immediately, diplomats involved in the process said the launch of formal discussions itself represents a meaningful development and could pave the way for broader negotiations in the weeks ahead.
Read more: JD Vance, PM Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir land in Swiss for US-Iran talks
