Negotiations to End Iran War Set to Begin Amid Regional Tensions

The next round of discussions aimed at ending the war in Iran is scheduled to start on Sunday. These talks come amid ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

On Saturday, an Iranian delegation landed at Zurich International Airport. The team included key figures such as Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Tehran’s lead negotiator and speaker of Iran’s parliament, and Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister.

Vice President JD Vance also arrived in Switzerland early Sunday. He will lead a team that includes President Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan, acting as an intermediary, announced on Saturday that “technical talks” involving Pakistani and Qatari mediators would begin on Sunday. Pakistan’s delegation will include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

These discussions occur during tensions in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran. This conflict poses a challenge to achieving a broader peace and ensuring the flow of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S.-Iranian talks faced delays due to continued clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, with Iran accusing Israeli strikes of violating agreements.

In response, Iran claimed to have shut down the Strait of Hormuz, although the U.S. military reported uninterrupted marine traffic. President Trump’s interim agreement with Iran left unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and missile development, along with ensuring free passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, the trip’s purpose is for “follow up on the implementation of the other side’s commitments.” Iran warned that final agreement talks would commence only if the U.S. honored its commitments.

Iran accused the U.S. of not reigning in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, even after a cease-fire was announced on Friday. The U.S.-Iranian agreement mandates a cease-fire on all fronts, but neither Israel nor Hezbollah agreed to the pact.

Vice President Vance expressed hopes for progress on nuclear matters and a Lebanon cease-fire, acknowledging Iran’s interest in discussing additional issues.

Reporting contributions included input from Sanam Mahoozi, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, and Yan Zhuang.