The United States and Iran are expected to restart technical negotiations in Switzerland on Sunday as diplomats work toward turning this week's preliminary agreement into a broader long-term deal. The discussions come amid renewed regional tensions, including continued violence in southern Lebanon and fresh uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Pakistani officials, representatives from both countries will meet at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, where technical teams are expected to focus on the next phase of implementing the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to establish a lasting framework for reducing military tensions and addressing Iran's nuclear program.
Iran confirmed that a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials, is traveling to Switzerland. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said American negotiators are already on the ground preparing for the upcoming discussions.
The negotiations were originally scheduled to begin earlier but were delayed after Iranian officials postponed their participation, citing continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon despite a recently announced ceasefire.
The situation became even more complicated after Iran announced new restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil exports. Iranian military officials said the move was a response to ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon and what Tehran described as failures to fully implement commitments made under the recent agreement.
Despite Iran's announcement, US military officials stated that commercial shipping continues to move through the waterway. According to US Central Command, dozens of commercial vessels successfully passed through the Strait during the day, while American forces remain deployed in the region to monitor security conditions.
Diplomatic sources say Sunday's meeting will primarily focus on technical issues needed to move from the preliminary agreement toward a final deal. The current framework gives both sides up to 60 days to negotiate a comprehensive settlement, with the possibility of extending the deadline if both governments agree.
However, analysts believe the negotiations face significant obstacles. Iran has repeatedly stated that progress depends on full compliance with the ceasefire arrangements and an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Iranian officials have stressed that they expect practical implementation of previous commitments before moving further in the diplomatic process.
International mediators from Pakistan and Qatar are expected to participate in the talks, reflecting broader regional efforts to keep negotiations alive despite rising tensions.
Observers say the outcome of the Switzerland meeting could play a major role in determining whether the current diplomatic momentum continues or whether regional instability places the agreement at greater risk.
While both Washington and Tehran continue preparing for negotiations, the evolving security situation in the Middle East remains a major factor that could influence the pace and success of future diplomatic efforts.
