Who are attending Iran-US talks and what are on agenda
Representational image. Collected.
The much-awaited direct talks between the United States and Iran are beginning to start in Switzerland today. This much-expected dialogue between the two countries is set to take place (Sunday) at the Bürgenstock Resort in the mountainous country.
In this high-profile meeting, Iran's delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the other side, the US delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance. The delegation also includes President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, are participating in this meeting as mediators.
Additionally, Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is also expected to take part in the talks.
"It will be possible to make progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire issue in this meeting," US Vice President JD Vance expressed hope to reporters before departing for the talks.
On the other hand, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, stated that their delegation will press for the implementation of the commitments mentioned in the memorandum of understanding by the United States.
"At the same time, Iran will seek a clear explanation from the US on exactly how it intends to move forward with implementing the agreement," the spokesman Baghaei added.
Earlier this week, the presidents of the United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the war. The agreement also includes the Lebanon situation and states that the agreement takes effect immediately.
The agreement includes a commitment to hold further talks to reach a final understanding within the next 60 days.
The ongoing clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, whose bases are mainly located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, have further complicated the situation.
According to Lebanon's health ministry on Saturday, at least 47 people were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they struck 80 targets linked to Hezbollah and killed dozens of members of the organization. The IDF also said four of its soldiers were killed.
Despite the announcement of the US-Iran agreement, Israel and Hezbollah continued to attack each other. However, an immediate ceasefire between the two sides was confirmed to have taken effect on Friday afternoon.
Source: Al Jazeera
