US-Iran talks mediated by Pakistan, Qatar kick off in Burgenstock

Talks between the United States and Iran have begun in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with Qatar and Pakistan participating in a mediatory role, the Qatari Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday, with the heads of each delegation expected to address the meeting. The ‘technical-level’ talks today seek to iron out the details of a Memorandum of Understanding (Mo U) signed between Tehran and Washington to cease hostilities and negotiate a framework to end the war. Under the agreement, the US and Iran have agreed on a framework to end the war, lift the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Also on the table will be discussions about the unfreezing of Iranian assets and sale of Iranian oil. In a statement, the Qatari foreign ministry announced “the launch of the Lucerne Lake Summit and the first high-level committee meeting” between the four sides, which it hoped would “lead to reaching a comprehensive and permanent agreement that addresses all aspects covered by the Memorandum of Understanding.” The Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari stated that “technical and specialised groups have been formed to negotiate the final agreement’s clauses, which will cover all aspects of the Memorandum of Understanding.” “Additionally, follow-up groups have been established to oversee the implementation of the memorandum and track the progress achieved toward reaching the final agreement, reflecting the commitment of all parties to proceed in the negotiation process in good faith and with the goal of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.” The quadrilateral meeting follows bilateral and tripartite meetings between the different parties participating in the talks. The Foreign Office (FO) said that Pakistan would hold bilateral interactions with the participating delegations from Iran, Qatar, Switzerland and the US, to “reaffirm Pakistan’s enduring commitment to dialogue and durable peace in the region”. Ahead of the quadrilateral meeting,