Sunday, June 21, marks the 114th day of the US-Israel war on Iran as representatives from Iran, the United States, Pakistan and Qatar begin technical-level negotiations in Switzerland aimed at advancing a recently signed agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistani state television reported that preliminary meetings involving members of the four delegations have already begun. The discussions are expected to pave the way for higher-level negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme, regional security issues and the implementation of the agreement signed on Wednesday, 17.
US Vice President JD Vance, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to participate in the negotiations. The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to Axios, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Switzerland on Friday, June 19, ahead of the talks. The negotiations were originally scheduled to start that day but were postponed amid uncertainty over the security situation in Lebanon.
The negotiations follow an agreement signed by Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Under the deal, negotiators have 60 days to finalise the technical details of a broader settlement.
The discussions are expected to focus on Tehran’s nuclear programme and measures aimed at securing a lasting accord. Ahead of the talks, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could impose tolls on ships using the Strait of Hormuz if no final agreement is reached within the 60-day period.
Meanwhile, Iran’s joint military command said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed, accusing the United States of failing to honour its commitments under the interim agreement. Tehran has maintained that the deal was intended to halt fighting across all fronts.
Iran, Qatar discuss implementation of agreement
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Switzerland to discuss the implementation of provisions outlined in the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, according to Iranian state media.
Iran outlines priorities for talks
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States’ failure to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon would be a key issue during talks with American officials in Burgenstock, Switzerland.
Baghaei said the meeting was intended to follow up on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington. He added that a joint session involving Iran, the United States, Qatar and Pakistan was scheduled later in the day.
Other topics expected to be discussed include exemptions related to Iranian oil exports and the release of Tehran’s frozen assets, according to Baghaei.
Iran maintains Strait of Hormuz closure
Iran’s Fars News Agency, citing military sources, reported on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The report said the IRGC Navy will not issue permits for vessels to pass through the waterway until further notice.
Israeli military casualties mount in Lebanon
Six Israeli soldiers have been killed in Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon since Thursday, according to Israeli Army Radio.
Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the fatalities included a senior officer, while more than 20 soldiers have been wounded during the past three days.
Haaretz reported that 36 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon since the current round of fighting began on March 2, underscoring the continuing human toll of the conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Iran demands full implementation of deal
Mohammad Mokhbar, an adviser and assistant to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said Tehran would not accept an agreement that exists only on paper and insisted that Washington must fully implement its commitments.
In a post on X, Mokhbar argued that the United States responds primarily to economic pressure, warning that energy flows from the Middle East could be disrupted if the agreement is not enforced in practice.
He said Iran’s negotiating team would seek the full implementation of commitments and the protection of the country’s rights during the talks.
Mokhbar also referenced those killed during the conflict, saying Tehran would not overlook their sacrifice as negotiations move forward.
Lebanon ceasefire in focus
An emergency discussion on Lebanon has been added to the negotiations in Switzerland and is expected to be taken up before other issues, CNN reported, citing a diplomat familiar with the talks.
Before departing for Switzerland, Vance said one of the key goals of the diplomatic effort was to make progress towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, where tensions have escalated following renewed Israeli missile attacks.
Iran has also signalled that developments in Lebanon will be a major focus of the negotiations. According to CNN, an Iranian official described ending the fighting in Lebanon as the delegation’s top priority in the talks.
