LUCERNE — U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Switzerland on Sunday ahead of high-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at advancing a ceasefire agreement.
The meeting took place at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne as part of efforts to support ongoing negotiations between U.S. and Iranian delegations, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators.
Vance, leading the U.S. delegation, held discussions with Sharif and other Pakistani officials, including Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to reports from multiple outlets citing the events. Pakistani officials described the talks as focusing on Pakistan's mediation role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
The encounter occurred on the sidelines of broader U.S.-Iran technical-level discussions, which began around the same time. Iranian negotiators, led by figures including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, were also present at the Swiss resort.
The meetings follow a recent memorandum of understanding signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which established a 60-day ceasefire framework to negotiate a potential final agreement addressing nuclear issues, regional security and other matters.
"President Trump is committed to a full regional ceasefire," Vance said in remarks alongside Sharif and Qatari officials, according to accounts of the joint appearance.
Sharif expressed hope for productive outcomes, praising efforts to advance peace in the region. Details of specific discussions during the Vance-Sharif bilateral meeting remain unclear.
The Switzerland talks come amid tensions related to the broader Middle East situation, including recent incidents in Lebanon that tested the ceasefire. Both sides have reported progress on deconfliction mechanisms, though verification from all parties was not immediately available.
Qatar has also played a key mediating role alongside Pakistan. Iranian officials have participated in the quadrilateral format involving the U.S., Iran, Pakistan and Qatar.
Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days, with U.S. officials indicating they aim to make progress on outstanding issues within the 60-day period. No immediate breakthroughs were announced following the initial meetings on Sunday.
The Bürgenstock resort has hosted the high-level diplomatic engagements, which Swiss authorities have facilitated.
