The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced early Friday that the US-Iran talks scheduled for today have been cancelled.
“The discussion at Bürgenstock will not take place as planned today,” the ministry announced in a statement. “Consequently, the meeting announced yesterday is cancelled.”
In a separate statement, the ministry said that planned talks have been postponed.
“The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks,” it added.
The statement came right after the White House announced that US Vice President JD Vance will not be departing for Switzerland on Thursday as logistical details for expected technical talks with Iran remain unresolved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif yesterday postponed his visit to Switzerland as making a ceremonial visit is less important than ensuring the effective implementation of commitments already agreed upon, according to diplomatic sources.
Sources said the agreement marked a major political breakthrough, making a ceremonial visit less important than ensuring the effective implementation of commitments already agreed upon. Pakistan’s role focused on securing a mutually accepted framework, easing tensions and establishing a structured roadmap for future engagement.
Officials said the next phase of the process will involve technical-level discussions on key issues, including sanctions relief, maritime security, nuclear-related measures, verification mechanisms, implementation timelines and regional assurances.
They maintained that Pakistan’s contribution went beyond hosting negotiations, as Islamabad helped shape a comprehensive framework that now requires expert-level engagement for its implementation.
According to sources, the postponement of the planned visit should be viewed in the context of progress already achieved through diplomacy. They said the agreement remains active and Pakistan continues to play a central role in overseeing its implementation through the next stages of dialogue.
PM Shehbaz was going to Switzerland for the signing ceremony between the US and Iran with a high level delegation.
However, PM Shehbaz Sharif has decided to postpone his visit as the talks moved to a technical level after the Islamabad MoU.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s role in the entire process will remain significant till the last day of the talks.
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