Iran and U.S. Hold First Round of Mediated Talks in Switzerland

High-level talks between Iran and the United States opened Sunday in Switzerland, with Qatar and Pakistan serving as mediators. The first round concluded after roughly one hour. Iran’s delegation declined to take part in a planned handshake and group photograph with the U.S. team before the session began.

The group entered the venue only after the media event finished, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Egyptian ambassador Hussein Haridy said the talks are likely to focus on the order in which each side fulfills commitments under a memorandum of understanding. He added that foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar met in Egypt to build support for a 60-day de-escalation period.

Haridy stated the four countries aim to convey to both Washington and Tehran the costs of renewed military operations after the 60-day window. He also noted the ministers stressed the need to ease Palestinian suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.

Israel’s armed forces chief of staff Eyal Zamir said the ceasefire in Lebanon remains fragile and that troops must stay ready for possible renewed fighting with Hezbollah. He stated Hezbollah has suffered a severe blow and that forces are committed to preventing its rebuilding.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported at least 4,106 people killed and 12,153 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2, including 251 children and 135 medical workers. An Israeli air strike near Khan Younis in southern Gaza killed two Palestinians and wounded others, according to local reports.

A tanker crew reported being approached by five armed assailants in a skiff off Yemen’s coast, prompting evasive action; the vessel and crew later resumed their voyage, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said.