US and Iranian negotiators have commenced discussions at the Burgenstock mountain resort in Switzerland, with representatives from mediating countries Pakistan and Qatar also participating, Reuters reported today, citing informed sources.
Before the talks commenced, US Vice President JD Vance greeted and spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir. Flags of the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan were displayed in the room.
Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, are also attending. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf leads the Iranian delegation.
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From left to right, middle row: US Vice President JD Vance, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland on 21/6. Photo: AP |
US Vice President JD Vance emphasized the unprecedented nature of these high-level talks. "The President has asked us to turn a new chapter, to change the relationship between the US and Iran, and to extend a hand of goodwill," Vance stated. He added that Washington is ready to fundamentally alter its relationship with Tehran if Iranian leaders cease regional destabilization and abandon their long-term nuclear weapons ambitions.
Vance reported that significant progress had been achieved in just a few hours, expressing optimism for continued advancements.
These discussions unfold as Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a move in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei posted on X, stating, "It is not possible to enter a negotiation phase to reach a final agreement if hostilities do not cease on all fronts."
Speaking to reporters in Switzerland, Vance conveyed President Trump's commitment to achieving a complete ceasefire, adding that he feels optimistic about the situation in Lebanon.
When questioned about Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Vance asserted that the US has "done more than any other party to prevent conflict in Lebanon in the past few months." He emphasized the demanding nature of peace, which "always requires effort and mutual concessions." Vance reiterated President Trump's commitment to achieving peace not only between the US and Iran but also across the entire region, underscoring their presence to resolve the issues.
Vance clarified that the Switzerland meeting marks the commencement of technical discussions, not an immediate resolution.
Vance stressed that while "today's meeting will not resolve all disagreements," it will "create conditions for us to sit together and identify what is most important to the involved parties, to address those issues and work towards a better future."
By Huyen Le (AFP, CNN, Reuters)
