Khaberni - JD Vance, the American Vice President under Donald Trump, has arrived in Switzerland to participate in the launch of a new round of talks between Washington and Tehran concerning the Iranian nuclear program, at a time when the Lebanese file tops the agenda amidst escalating regional tensions.
CNN quoted a knowledgeable diplomat saying that an emergency session devoted to Lebanon has been scheduled at the beginning of the agenda, making it the first issue to be discussed by the American and Iranian delegations.
Vance stated before leaving for Switzerland that making progress towards a ceasefire in Lebanon is one of the main priorities of the talks, following recent renewals of Israeli missile strikes on Lebanese territories.
In contrast, an Iranian official confirmed to the network that ending the conflict in Lebanon is the most important item on the agenda for the Iranian delegation.
This comes following a framework agreement signed last week by the United States and Iran, where both sides aim to reach a final agreement on technical issues related to the Iranian nuclear program within a 60-day period, a step that carries wide implications for regional security and the global economy.
However, the path of negotiations is facing increasing challenges due to the military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most crucial strategic passages for global energy trade.
Vance was supposed to arrive in Switzerland on Friday, but his visit was postponed due to developments in the security situation in Lebanon and the delay of the Iranian delegation's participation, although it was later confirmed they would attend the negotiations. America Denies Closure of Hormuz
The US Central Command confirmed that navigation in the Strait of Hormuz continues normally, denying the validity of the Revolutionary Guard's statement that announced the closure of the strait in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, while Vance emphasized that huge oil shipments passed through the strait in recent days without interruption.
The Iranian delegation includes the Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and officials from the central bank and oil sector, while Vance joins American envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are already in Switzerland to discuss the technical aspects of the negotiations.
The meetings also feature the participation of the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the army chief General Asim Munir, along with Qatari mediators.
Escalation on the Lebanese front continues to cast a shadow over the negotiations, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirms the continuation of military operations in South Lebanon, while Hezbollah links stopping its attacks to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories.
The Israeli forces continue to intensify their raids on South Lebanon, where the confrontations that erupted since the announcement of the US-Iran agreement have resulted in dozens of deaths, including 47 people in Lebanon and 6 Israeli soldiers, including a senior officer.
