Headline: Pakistan, Iran Step Up Diplomacy as Switzerland Talks Aim to Advance US Peace Deal
Pakistan and Iran intensified diplomatic efforts on Saturday ahead of technical-level talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, aimed at advancing the implementation of the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi are scheduled to depart for Switzerland on Saturday night. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Tehran’s delegation will work to move discussions forward and hold consultations on implementing commitments outlined in the MoU.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to travel to Bürgenstock. Sources said the Prime Minister’s Office has been directed to prepare for the possible visit. However, his departure will depend on the arrival of US Vice President JD Vance in Switzerland.
Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that technical-level talks would take place on Sunday as a follow-up to the signing of the Islamabad MoU. The discussions will bring together representatives of the United States and Iran, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan would continue facilitating the dialogue to help implement the understandings reached under the agreement and maintain momentum in the peace process.
The diplomatic push follows Thursday’s signing of the landmark US-Iran agreement, which aims to end months of regional conflict and pave the way for broader negotiations, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, diplomats from several countries gathered at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne on Saturday for preparatory consultations to support the peace initiative. Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that discussions were underway but did not provide additional details.
Senior-level negotiations had originally been scheduled for Friday but were postponed amid growing uncertainty after renewed Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Despite the delay, diplomatic efforts are continuing as mediators seek to preserve the fragile agreement and prevent further escalation in the region.
