Shehbaz, Munir Join High-Stakes US-Iran Talks in Switzerland
News Desk
Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have arrived in Switzerland to participate in high-level talks aimed at advancing the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a landmark agreement between the United States and Iran.
The meeting, scheduled for June 21 in Bürgenstock, marks the first formal engagement between Tehran and Washington since the signing of the Islamabad MoU on June 17, an accord in which Pakistan played a central mediating role.
According to the Foreign Office, delegations from Iran, the United States, and Qatar are also attending the talks, which seek to preserve momentum in the fragile peace process amid renewed regional tensions.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a key facilitator in the diplomatic effort, having hosted earlier rounds of negotiations and maintained sustained contacts with both sides.
Officials say Islamabad remains committed to supporting dialogue and encouraging the implementation of understandings reached between Tehran and Washington.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to hold separate meetings with representatives from Iran, Qatar, Switzerland, and the United States on the sidelines of the talks to reinforce Pakistan’s support for regional stability and peaceful conflict resolution.
The Switzerland discussions come at a sensitive moment following renewed tensions in the Middle East, including recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Iran’s subsequent decision to again close the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments forced a postponement of the technical-level talks originally planned for Friday.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has also travelled to Switzerland, expressing optimism about progress on issues ranging from the Iranian nuclear file to efforts aimed at sustaining a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran’s delegation, known as “Minab 168” and headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has already arrived in Zurich for the negotiations.
The Islamabad MoU, signed electronically earlier this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, seeks to reduce tensions in the region and includes provisions related to maritime security and the reopening of key trade routes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz signed the agreement as mediator, underscoring Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in regional peace efforts.
