Vance says US-Iran talks aim to 'change' the Middle East

BERN, Switzerland — US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations with Tehran are aimed at reshaping the Middle East through a new agreement, speaking in the Swiss capital where the latest round of talks is being held. Vance, who is leading the US delegation, cautioned that technical discussions cannot resolve every dispute but expressed confidence that a better outcome can be reached. The vice president pointed to recent US-mediated progress in Lebanon, crediting contributions from Pakistan, Qatar and Israel. He said US President Donald Trump is committed to regional peace beyond Iran and thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts and Qatar for its role in the talks. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the moment as a significant day for global peace. The US delegation is headed by Vance, while Iran's team is led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Pakistan and Qatar are participating as mediators. According to Iranian state television, the main agenda items include securing a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of frozen Iranian assets.