US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iranian officials aimed at strengthening a temporary agreement to end the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The negotiations are being held at the Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock, with both sides expected to discuss a lasting ceasefire, Iran’s nuclear programme, and the situation in Lebanon.
The talks are being led by Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also part of Tehran’s delegation.
Before leaving for Switzerland, Vance said the discussions would focus on making progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire, adding that the talks could continue for several days.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir are also attending as mediators.
The negotiations come amid rising tensions after Iran accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by carrying out attacks in Lebanon. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response, but the US military said commercial shipping through the waterway continued.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil and gas supplies. US Central Command said dozens of commercial ships passed through the strait, carrying millions of barrels of oil.
Iran has demanded the implementation of the ceasefire deal, including an end to fighting in Lebanon, reopening the strait, release of frozen Iranian assets, and lifting of US sanctions on its energy sector.
The Lebanon ceasefire remains fragile, with both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of violations. Israel said it was responding to attacks, while Hezbollah claimed Israel had breached the truce.
The Swiss talks are expected to determine whether the temporary agreement can move toward a broader peace deal.
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