BUERGENSTOCK – High-level delegations from the United States and Iran met in Switzerland on Sunday for technical talks aimed at implementing a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), with Pakistan and Qatar continuing their role as mediators in the peace process.
The negotiations, taking place at the Bürgenstock resort, mark the first formal engagement between Washington and Tehran since the signing of the Islamabad MoU, which established a framework for ending hostilities and launching broader negotiations.
Addressing participants ahead of the talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that the discussions would contribute to peace, progress and prosperity, saying the meeting reflected the success of sustained diplomatic efforts by all parties involved.
According to officials, the talks are focused on finalising mechanisms for implementing the agreement, including a ceasefire framework, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen Iranian assets and issues related to Iranian oil exports.
In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry announced the launch of the “Lucerne Lake Summit” and the first high-level committee meeting between the four parties. Doha said specialised working groups had been established to negotiate provisions of a final agreement and monitor implementation of commitments already undertaken.
The ministry also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and supporting negotiations, while reaffirming its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of regional disputes.
Ahead of the quadrilateral session, delegations held a series of bilateral and tripartite meetings. Iranian state media reported that representatives from Iran, the United States and Qatar discussed a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian assets blocked abroad.
The Pakistani delegation, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, separately met US and Iranian officials before the start of formal proceedings.
US Vice President JD Vance, who arrived in Switzerland earlier on Sunday, said negotiators hoped to make progress on issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security, including the situation in Lebanon.
Iran’s delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran would seek full implementation of commitments made under the agreement.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Islamabad would continue to support the negotiation process and facilitate dialogue between the parties, describing its role as part of a broader commitment to regional stability and peaceful conflict resolution.
The talks follow the signing of a 14-point agreement between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Pakistan acting as mediator. The accord outlines a framework for ending the conflict, reopening regional trade routes and initiating further negotiations over the coming weeks.
Officials from all sides indicated that discussions could continue beyond Sunday if additional time is required to finalise technical details and implementation mechanisms.
