US and Iranian officials have arrived in Switzerland for direct talks on implementing an initial peace agreement signed last week by their presidents to end the war that began on February 28, according to a BBC report. The framework commits both sides to a final deal within 60 days, halts hostilities on all fronts including Lebanon, reopens the Strait of Hormuz and pairs the termination of all US sanctions on Iran with a $300 billion reconstruction plan. The discussions, which also cover Iran’s nuclear programme, include Pakistani mediators who helped broker the initial pact.
The US delegation led by Vance includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the BBC reported. Iranian representatives Ghalibaf and Araghchi arrived late Saturday. Pakistan’s Sharif and Asim Munir joined the talks, reflecting Islamabad’s mediation throughout the conflict and in prior US-Iran discussions.
The initial agreement signed earlier this week calls for an immediate end to the war while setting the parameters for the 60-day negotiation window. Tehran has indicated it will demand fulfillment of all commitments made. Vance expressed hopes for progress on the nuclear issue and the situation in Lebanon.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The BBC reported that vessels continued passing through the waterway despite the closure. US Energy Information Administration data places average oil flows through the strait at 20.9 million barrels per day in the first half of 2025, equivalent to about 20 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption.
The conflict drew in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Israel has treated its operations against Hezbollah as separate from the US-Iran war and has continued bombing in Lebanon while occupying 5 percent of southern territory. Clashes have continued despite a ceasefire announced on Friday.
The nuclear talks build on the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief before the US withdrew in 2018, a Council on Foreign Relations assessment found. The current negotiations aim to establish a new framework within the 60-day period. Pakistani mediation has been central to bringing the parties together.
The $300 billion reconstruction plan is tied directly to the lifting of sanctions under the initial agreement. This financial element seeks to address damage from the war that erupted on February 28. The talks remain focused on converting the preliminary pact into a comprehensive final accord.
