Iranian President Pezeshkian expresses hope for positive outcomes from Iran-US talks.

Updated: 6:20 PM PKT — June 21, 2026

High-level delegations from the United States and Iran have begun formal negotiations in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, with Pakistan playing a central mediatory role.

The US delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. The Iranian team is led by Parliament Speaker Baqer Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Delegations from Pakistan and Qatar are also present at the talks.

Prior to the formal commencement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir held separate preliminary meetings with both the US and Iranian delegations. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also participated in the meeting with the Iranian officials. According to sources, Pakistan was offered the opportunity to lead the negotiations, highlighting its crucial role in the diplomatic process.

Updated: 5:47 PM PKT — June 21, 2026

Pakistan and Qatar-mediated talks between the United States and Iran officially commenced Sunday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, to advance a recently signed peace framework. The technical-level negotiations aim to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to halt hostilities, ease US restrictions, and restore access to the Strait of Hormuz. The agenda also includes the release of frozen Iranian assets and the resumption of oil exports.

High-level delegations from all four nations are participating in what Qatar’s foreign ministry has dubbed the ‘Lucerne Lake Summit.’ Ahead of the main meeting, Pakistani leadership including Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir held separate talks with the US and Iranian delegations. Specialised working groups and monitoring committees have been established to negotiate the final terms and oversee implementation.