Key facts
- The first round of Iran-US talks in Switzerland has concluded.
- Qatar and Pakistan mediated the negotiations.
- The talks focused on regional security, the situation in Palestine, and a memorandum of understanding.
- Iran's nuclear program was not discussed.
- Iran's delegation refused a pre-talk photo session with the US team.
The first round of talks between Iran and the United States, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, has concluded in Switzerland. The negotiations reportedly focused on regional security, the situation in Palestine, and the sequencing of commitments under a recently agreed memorandum of understanding. Iran's delegation refused a planned handshake and group photograph with the US team before the talks commenced. The negotiations were aimed at advancing a 60-day de-escalation process, with regional powers like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt rallying support for the deal. Former Egyptian ambassador Hussein Haridy suggested the talks would likely centre on the order in which each side fulfills its obligations under the memorandum. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported at least 4,106 killed and 12,153 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2, and Israel's chief of staff described the ceasefire in Lebanon as fragile.