Video: Iran nearly walks Out of Switzerland talks, returns after mediation
Abdullateef Fowewe
Iran’s delegation came close to leaving high-level US-Iran peace talks in Bürgenstock but returned to the negotiating table after intensive mediation efforts.
This underscored Pakistan’s continuing role as a behind-the-scenes facilitator in the dialogue.
Delegates from Iran and the United States have been meeting in Switzerland following recent ceasefires, with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar working to bridge remaining gaps.
Sources at the talks described a brief, tense moment when Iranian representatives prepared to depart, a move that would have imperiled progress until mediators intervened and persuaded Tehran to stay and continue discussions.
The first round of the talks concluded with participants reporting “encouraging progress,” according to a statement from one delegation.
Negotiators said the sessions focused on concrete steps toward a durable agreement and mechanisms to consolidate recent ceasefire gains.
Pakistan’s diplomats were singled out repeatedly by officials for their discreet shuttle diplomacy and behind-the-scenes coordination that helped avert a collapse in talks.
Qatar also played a visible mediation role, hosting shuttle meetings and facilitating technical discussions between delegations.
