Diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran reopened this weekend after a hiatus, resuming peace talks. A flurry of arrivals at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland has brought top officials from the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan to the negotiating table in an effort to bring an end to the war.
The American delegation landed in stages. Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reached Switzerland early Saturday morning. Vice President JD Vance followed shortly after, departing from Joint Base Andrews on Saturday afternoon and touching down just after midnight EST on Sunday.
By Sunday morning, local developments moved quickly. At around 5:15 a.m. ET, U.S. negotiators were seen greeting the Pakistani delegation, which is mediating the peace talks. Vice President Vance greeted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly and embraced another Pakistani official.
Envoys Witkoff and Kushner joined the welcome. “Thank you. Thanks for all your help,” Vance was heard telling the Pakistani officials.
Iran’s representatives arrived overnight under local media observation. Foreign affairs minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were spotted entering the resort. Both men have served as prominent figures throughout the negotiations over the last several months.
However, the diplomatic breakthrough is unfolding alongside severe friction on the ground. On Saturday, Iran announced that the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane will be closed again. Tehran accused the U.S. and Israel of violating their memorandum of understanding, citing the fact that Israeli troops have not withdrawn from southern Lebanon.
The situation on the ground remains volatile. Overnight Saturday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed more than a dozen people. The attack came just hours after Israel and Hezbollah had reached a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting.
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