Representatives from the United States and Iran have gathered in Switzerland to initiate direct discussions following a preliminary peace accord signed last week. This agreement mandates a comprehensive resolution within 60 days, requiring a cessation of hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the pact, sporadic violence between Israel and the Iran-aligned Hezbollah continues. Iran declared the maritime corridor closed on Saturday, although maritime tracking systems indicate traffic persists. Vice-President JD Vance, accompanied by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, represents the US, while Iran sent parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, are also present to continue their role as intermediaries.
The initial accord, signed by the leaders of the US and Iran, includes a $300 billion reconstruction package and the removal of all American sanctions. However, the contentious issue of Iran’s nuclear program remains slated for the upcoming two-month negotiation window. Meanwhile, Israel maintains that its ongoing military operations against Hezbollah are distinct from the primary US-Iran conflict, which began on February 28. Complications persist as the Iranian supreme leader has publicly voiced opposition to the deal, claiming it was signed by Donald Trump due to desperation.