US and Iranian delegations are holding high-level technical talks in Switzerland, with the Lebanon ceasefire emerging as the primary focus amid escalating Israeli attacks that Tehran says violate a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Who is attending?
The talks are being held at a luxury hotel complex in Burgenstock, Switzerland. Iran's delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The US delegation is headed by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Mediators from Pakistan (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir) and Qatar (Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani) are also participating.
What is on the agenda?
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the main topic will be Israel's violations of the MoU's Lebanon ceasefire clause. The technical talks are scheduled to span 60 days, covering Iran's nuclear program and the broader peace process. However, Iran insists that the US must first implement its commitments under the MoU—including cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, lifting of maritime blockade, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, release of frozen assets, and removal of sanctions on Iran's oil sector—before moving to technical negotiations.
Lebanon ceasefire dominates
Israeli forces killed dozens in Lebanon on Saturday despite the reported ceasefire. Iran views the US as obligated under the MoU to ensure Israel's compliance, even though Israel is not a signatory. Ross Harrison of the Middle East Institute noted that Israel could act as a spoiler, and failure to restrain Israel would constitute a breach between Iran and the US.
Nuclear program and Strait of Hormuz
Once technical talks commence, Iran's nuclear program will be a key issue. The US demands Iran neither possess nor develop nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its program is civilian and may negotiate limits if sanctions are lifted. Meanwhile, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz over Israeli attacks, but the US military says the waterway remains open.
Adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Mohammad Mokhber, warned that Tehran will not accept a paper agreement and that Washington must fully implement its commitments, emphasizing that "Americans understand the language of economics and cost-benefit better."