International attention is turning to the Swiss city of Bürgenstock, which is preparing to host a new round of technical talks between the United States and Iran on Sunday. These meetings aim to establish executive mechanisms for the recently signed memorandum of understanding in Islamabad, which seeks to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that these discussions will take place with the presence of mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, to ensure a convergence of views between the American and Iranian delegations. This step comes at a sensitive time witnessing military escalation and mutual warnings that could jeopardize the fragile stability achieved.
For his part, US Vice President J.D. Vance revealed the possibility of his heading to Switzerland in the coming days to join the negotiating team. Vance indicated that envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently in Switzerland managing the complex technical files related to the agreement.
In press statements, Vance explained that things are going well so far, but they require precise and careful coordination to ensure the success of the diplomatic path. He stressed that the US administration attaches great importance to implementing the provisions of the memorandum to ensure the interests of all parties concerned with regional stability.
In contrast, Tehran officially announced the departure of its technical delegation to Switzerland, carrying strict demands related to the necessity of Washington's adherence to its prior commitments. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqaei warned that any American procrastination would put the entire understanding in real danger.
The Iranian diplomatic move coincided with serious military threats to re-close the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation, in response to what Tehran described as continuous violations. The Iranian leadership considered the continuation of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon a blatant violation of the spirit of the memorandum of understanding concluded with Washington.
Media sources quoted the Iranian military leadership as saying that closing the strait represents 'the first step' in a series of potential escalatory measures. Tehran confirmed that the negotiating delegation in Switzerland will demand clear guarantees to stop military operations targeting the Lebanese front as an integral part of the agreement.
On the other hand, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced raising the level of alert and vigilance among its forces stationed in the region. US military sources confirmed that they are closely monitoring movements in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure that the international waterway remains open and safe for global trade.
A statement issued by CENTCOM reported that about 55 commercial vessels crossed the strait safely in the past hours, confirming that navigation has not faced any actual obstacles so far. The statement stressed the commitment of US forces to monitor the implementation of all provisions of the agreement concluded with the Iranian side and ensure its effectiveness.
The diplomatic path in Switzerland remains suspended between the parties' desire to contain the escalation and the increasing field pressures in Lebanon and the Gulf. Sunday will be a real test of the ability of mediators in Qatar and Pakistan to bridge the gap between Iranian demands and American commitments amid an atmosphere charged with military threats.
The agreement is at risk if the United States does not adhere to its commitments, and the other party must take the necessary measures as soon as possible.
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Switzerland hosts crucial Iranian-American talks amid threats to close the Strait of Hormuz