US-Iran Direct Talks Begin in Switzerland Amid Hormuz Strait Closure

Direct talks between the United States and Iran have begun in Switzerland amid heightened regional tensions following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and renewed Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, which Tehran says violate a previous understanding.

According to Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new round of negotiations is being held in Switzerland with Qatar and Pakistan acting as mediators. The development was reported by Al Jazeera.

US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in Switzerland early Sunday ahead of the talks. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived on Saturday night.

In addition to American and Iranian representatives, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, are participating in the discussions. Pakistan has played a mediating role throughout the conflict and previously hosted an earlier round of talks between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking before the meeting, Vice President Vance said he expected progress on both the nuclear issue and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

While speaking to reporters before departing for Switzerland, Vance also commented on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. He said the overall situation appeared to be improving and that tensions had eased to some extent.

“Conditions must continue to be monitored and managed to ensure the security of both Israel and Lebanon,” Vance said, adding that the broader goal is to promote stability and security across the region.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would use the talks to press the other side to fulfill its commitments.

Earlier this week, the presidents of the United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities. The understanding included provisions for halting conflict across all fronts, including Lebanon.

The agreement also committed both sides to continue negotiations with the goal of reaching a final deal within the next 60 days.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the meetings would lead to a “comprehensive and lasting agreement” addressing all issues outlined in the joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In a statement, the ministry said specialized technical and expert teams have been formed to negotiate the terms of a final agreement and to work on all aspects covered by the US-Iran memorandum.