Iranian Delegation Arrives in Zurich for Technical Talks
The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker and Chief Negotiator MB Ghalibaf, has arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, on Saturday for the first round of technical talks with the United States. This meeting is part of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between the two sides to end hostilities in West Asia, according to Iranian state media Press TV.
The negotiation team is named "Minab 168" in honour of the victims of the Minab school incident, which Iranian officials have previously highlighted in diplomatic and political messaging during international engagements.
US Vice President Vance Departs for Switzerland
US Vice President JD Vance has also departed for Switzerland for negotiations with Iran following the signing of the MoU on Wednesday. Citing a source, Axios reported Vance's potential participation in the talks.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are already in Switzerland, where the first round of talks with Iran on a potential nuclear deal is expected to take place on Sunday, US officials told Axios.
MoU Signed Between Trump and Pezeshkian
US President Donald Trump and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian virtually signed the memorandum of understanding on Wednesday aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching negotiations on a broader agreement, including talks on Iran's nuclear programme.
The Iranian delegation left Tehran shortly after the Iranian armed forces announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to violations of the ceasefire by Israel in Lebanon, which was an "integral part" of the MoU between the two sides.
Qatar's Role as Mediator
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also arrived in Switzerland on Friday, as Qatar is considered one of the principal mediators facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran.
