The Iranian delegation has arrived in Switzerland in preparation for anticipated technical negotiations with the United States, set to begin on Sunday at the Bürgenstock resort. These talks aim to transform the recent memorandum of understanding between the two nations into a detailed agreement on nuclear, economic, and security issues.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed the delegation's travel plans earlier, while sources from Al Arabiya Al Hadath reported the arrival of the negotiating team. The team includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as the head of the delegation, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Deputy of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Board, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, along with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the delegation aims to discuss mechanisms for the implementation of U.S. commitments and outline the practical steps expected from Washington in the upcoming phase.
Warning Against Breakdown of Understanding
Baghaei emphasized that Iran has fulfilled its commitments, asserting that Tehran expects the U.S. to honor its promises, including efforts to halt Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which Iran views as part of existing understandings.
He added that "failure to implement commitments will jeopardize the understanding," reaffirming that his country's policy is based on the principle of "commitment for commitment," and that Iran "has not signed commitments that will not be implemented."
U.S., Pakistani, and Qatari Participation
The Iranian delegation's arrival coincides with the arrival of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Switzerland, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance has left Washington for the negotiations venue to participate in upcoming meetings.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that the technical negotiations will start on Sunday with delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar. The office of the Pakistani Prime Minister confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir will join the talks.
Earlier, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran and met with Araghchi, carrying messages encouraging progress in the negotiations without delay.
This round represents the first real test of the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran, amidst international anticipation on whether it will succeed in addressing disputes related to Iran's nuclear program, sanctions, and regional security arrangements within the designated 60-day negotiation period.