Swiss neutrality contributing factor in US-Iran peace talks

ZURICH: Switzerland's neutral stand was a major contributing factor in reaching an understanding on Monday to implement the US-Iran memorandum of understanding for ending the conflict despite claims by Pakistan and its Field Marshal of having played a 'significant role' in Tehran-Washington mediation.

Switzerland not only hosted the talks between US vice president JD Vance and Iranian negotiators but senior officials in the Swiss foreign ministry were also deeply involved in facilitating an understanding between the two sides in the runup to the meeting on Sunday and Monday, ET has learnt.

The Swiss government, however, refrained from publicising its efforts or launching a media campaign unlike Pakistan.


It is a lesser-known fact that Switzerland represents the US in Tehran through its diplomatic mission giving the Iran government comfort to work through the good offices of Berne. Over the years, Tehran and the US have worked to pass on messages through Switzerland.

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Switzerland's neutrality is a foundational pillar of its foreign policy, prohibiting the country from taking part in international armed conflicts, joining military alliances like NATO, or providing troops and weapons to warring states. ET has learnt Switzerland is not averse to holding meaningful talks in future to end the protracted Ukraine war with the participation of all stakeholders.

The Swiss foreign ministry on Monday said it welcomed constructive progress made during the "intensive diplomatic talks," which it said continued throughout the night on Sunday. It termed the establishment of a committee as a "positive step, which will help structure the next phase of the political and technical process".

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The US and Iran have ended the first round of negotiations in Switzerland and are planning technical talks at the working level this week, also in Switzerland. Deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi was heading the Iranian team in the technical talks.

"We laid a very good foundation for a successful final deal," Vance said at a press meet Monday before departing for the US. "The final deal is the house. We set the foundation. We haven't built the house, but we've laid a successful foundation to get to a good place for the American people."

Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, who led the delegation, said that the management of the Hormuz strait wouldn't return to the situation before the war.

(The reporter is in Switzerland on an invitation from the Swiss govt)