Switzerland to host first US-Iran talks on implementing Middle East deal

BERN, Switzerland — Switzerland has confirmed that initial talks between the United States and Iran on implementing a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war in the Middle East are scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday. The Swiss government said technical-level preparations between the two sides are continuing ahead of the meeting. Switzerland's Foreign Ministry said the meeting is on the agenda and that participation from both sides is expected. According to the government statement, the talks will address the mechanism for implementing the understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, as well as the coordination of steps to end the war. Switzerland has long served as a mediator, keeping diplomatic channels between the two countries open. The Bern government said the talks will be held on Swiss territory, which provides neutral ground, and emphasized that the process will continue with the agreement of both sides.