U.S. Diplomat Says First Day of Switzerland Talks Left All Sides Satisfied

An American diplomat involved in the negotiations in Switzerland said on Sunday evening that he expects talks with Iran, and with mediators Pakistan and Qatar, to continue into the night. He said the Iranian talks began in the morning and continued almost nonstop in different formats, and that all four parties appeared satisfied with how the day unfolded.

Among the main issues discussed were mechanisms to prevent friction in Lebanon and to enforce the ceasefire there. The United States, Iran, and the mediators also addressed the Strait of Hormuz and recent Iranian claims about closing it. “We made clear that we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that issue,” the diplomat said.

He added that the day’s discussions also covered “all components of the nuclear agreement” and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding, including how to make sure everyone is working from the same understanding. The sides also discussed plans for continuing the talks both at the senior political level and among technical teams.

According to the diplomat, the senior-level round is expected to end on Monday, after which the technical discussions will continue, likely in Switzerland. He said the mediators are helping the two sides bridge disagreements and that the first round is laying the groundwork for future trust building.