High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran are set to begin in Switzerland on Sunday, as regional tensions remain fragile despite recent diplomatic efforts to halt months of conflict across the Middle East.
The talks come after Iran's military claimed it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. However, the United States military disputed the announcement, stating that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway continues without interruption.
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland early Sunday to lead the American delegation, while Iran's team, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reached the country late Saturday. The negotiations are expected to focus on the future of Iran's nuclear program and the implementation of a recently announced ceasefire framework.
Pakistan, which has played an active mediating role throughout the conflict, will also participate in the discussions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir are expected to join the meetings. In a statement ahead of the talks, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of understandings reached between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking before departing for Switzerland, Vice President Vance expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations. He said the United States hopes to advance discussions on both Iran's nuclear activities and the security situation in Lebanon. Referring to recent hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Vance noted that conditions appear to be improving and that efforts would continue to ensure stability and security for all parties in the region.
According to the BBC, the latest round of diplomacy follows an initial agreement signed earlier this week by the US and Iranian presidents, aimed at ending the broader conflict and creating a pathway toward a comprehensive settlement within the next 60 days. The agreement also includes commitments to further negotiations on regional security and ceasefire arrangements.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, violence has continued on the ground. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that at least 47 people were killed on Saturday following a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said it targeted approximately 80 Hezbollah-linked sites and claimed that dozens of militants were killed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers during ongoing operations.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was formally confirmed on Friday, yet sporadic exchanges of fire have persisted, underscoring the challenges facing negotiators seeking to secure a lasting peace. Prior to the US-Iran agreement, Israel maintained that its military campaign against Hezbollah was separate from the wider confrontation involving Iran and had indicated no plans for an immediate withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah has accused Israel of attempting to undermine the broader diplomatic process, while Washington has voiced concern over continued military operations in Lebanon. The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader.
Lebanon's Health Ministry estimates that more than 4,000 people have been killed since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on March 2, highlighting the devastating human toll of the conflict and the urgency of achieving a durable political settlement.
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