Iran, the U.S. and mediator Qatar began three-way talks in Switzerland on the 21st (local time). The two sides have entered full-scale negotiations over a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon and the issue of Iran’s frozen assets.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that day that delegations from Iran, the U.S. and Qatar were holding trilateral talks at the negotiation venue in Switzerland. The agenda covers a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon and the issue of Iranian assets frozen abroad.
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the U.S. and Iranian delegations would hold talks that afternoon. It also confirmed that mediators Pakistan and Qatar would take part in the negotiation process.
The Iranian delegation included National Assembly Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary for international affairs of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati also joined the negotiations. Deputy Oil Minister and National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) official Hamid Bord was also named to the delegation.
Given the makeup of the delegation, Iran appears to be seeking to address financial and energy matters along with diplomatic and security issues. The release of frozen assets and oil-related matters are likely to feature prominently at the negotiating table.
On the U.S. side, negotiation representatives including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff first carried out technical coordination. Vice President JD Vance also joined.
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