U.S.-Iran talks advance in Switzerland as Gaza deaths reported

U.S. and Iranian negotiators signed a memorandum of understanding and continued technical-level talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland. The U.S. vice president said the two sides made substantial progress toward a final agreement and that IAEA nuclear inspectors are expected to return to Iran this week.

The vice president also said any unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to purchase U.S. agricultural products for Iranian civilians, with approval required from both Washington and Doha. Technical teams from both countries remained in Switzerland after overnight sessions.

casualties Three Palestinians were killed and 11 wounded in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said. The ministry reported that total fatalities since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025 reached 1,024, with 3,260 wounded and 784 bodies recovered from rubble.

Regional reactions Qatar’s prime minister met France’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the Burgenstock meeting and reaffirmed support for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan’s deputy prime minister welcomed the progress and said a Pakistani Foreign Ministry team will stay in Switzerland for the remainder of the week.

Lebanon’s president said the country welcomes international efforts to end the war but will not accept interference in its internal affairs.