Iran says nuclear file, sanctions not discussed in detail at Switzerland talks

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Foreign Ministry said negotiations held in Switzerland did not address the nuclear file and sanctions in detail, with discussions instead focused on regional escalation. Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told a press conference in Tehran that a memorandum of understanding signed at the four-party talks provides for the nuclear dossier and sanctions to be examined within 60 days. Baghaei said the agreement was built on mutual respect and a commitment to realism, adding that high-level rhetoric could weaken the negotiation process. He noted that a halt to attacks on Lebanon was an integral part of the understanding and that the United States had clearly stated its commitment to that point. The spokesman said Iran, Qatar, Pakistan, the United States and Lebanon had agreed on a mechanism to prevent further escalation in Lebanon, adding that the framework would also monitor the process of ending the conflict. The Foreign Ministry separately announced the establishment of a dedicated working group to oversee implementation of the memorandum's provisions.