US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for high-stakes talks with Iran, just days after both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran. The conflict has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel and rattled global markets.
The mediated discussions, set for Sunday at Burgenstock and facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan, come as Israel intensifies its attacks on Lebanon, killing dozens on Saturday. Iran’s delegation, led by parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is also in Switzerland.
Diplomacy
The US delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is led by Vance. He expressed hope for progress on nuclear issues and the Lebanon ceasefire. Iran aims to ensure full implementation of the interim deal.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are attending, while Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is also expected. Egypt will host a separate meeting with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.
Iran
Supreme Leader adviser Mohammad Mokhbar warned that Tehran will not accept a paper agreement, stating that the US understands economic pressure. Iran’s oil industry is seen as a testing ground for peace. Meanwhile, the national football team faces preparation difficulties for the World Cup.
United States
President Trump stated there will be no tolls for the Strait of Hormuz unless collected by the US, after the IRGC announced its closure. Technology adviser David Sacks defended the MoU as a "tremendous achievement," while Democrats criticized Trump’s handling of the war.
Lebanon
Israeli raids killed five people in the western Bekaa Valley, including a child, and two Palestinians in Tyre. An Israeli soldier was killed by rockets and drone strikes. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered troops to hold fire except in ongoing battles near Nabatieh.