Allah Nawaz Khan
Once again, negotiations between the United States and Iran for a ceasefire are underway in Switzerland. Delegations from both countries have arrived in Switzerland. The Iranian delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with officials from security, the central bank, and the oil sector. The Iranian team has been named “Menab 168” — in memory of the 168 people (mostly children and female students) martyred in an airstrike on an elementary school in the Iranian city of Minab in February 2026.
On the American side, the delegation includes JD Vance, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and other experts. These talks are being mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. By the time this article is read, one round of negotiations may already have concluded. Both delegations have reached Switzerland. JD Vance stated that the purpose of the visit is to make progress on the nuclear issue and advance the Lebanon ceasefire matter.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi are also present to assist in the negotiations. The objectives of these talks include a permanent end to military operations on all fronts besides Lebanon, the restoration of trade, and Iran’s withdrawal from enriched uranium intended for military purposes.
Previous negotiations have taken place but failed to yield results. These talks are unlikely to be decisive, as it is extremely difficult for both sides to accept each other’s demands. While success appears challenging, a 60-day negotiation process is set to begin.
The situation is highly complex, yet the possibility of war remains very low. The core issue in the talks is Iran’s enriched uranium. The United States demands that Iran abandon it, while Iran asserts its right to enriched uranium for peaceful purposes. The Strait of Hormuz and economic sanctions have also created a complicated situation. The US has made the lifting of economic sanctions conditional on Iranian actions. Sanctions will not be removed until American demands are met.
The United States and its allies are also concerned about Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East. Despite being economically and militarily weaker, Iran has continued to resist and has maintained its position under severe pressure. Negotiations are now taking place with Iran on equal footing. Iran has clearly signaled that it is prepared for any form of confrontation.
Israel is extremely displeased with these negotiations. For Israel, Iran remains a major and powerful adversary in the region. Despite concerted efforts by Israel and the United States, they have failed to defeat Iran. It has become clear to the US and its allies that confronting Iran is extremely difficult. Even after a dangerous conflict, Iran could not be defeated.
David Sacks, advisor to US President Donald Trump, has stated that any potential ground operation against Iran would require nearly one million troops. He added that such a military plan would not only be extremely expensive but tantamount to suicide. The fact that the parties are returning to negotiations after previous failures proves that defeating Iran is not easy. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue through dialogue. Negotiations remain the best way to resolve any dispute. However, given the conditions, these talks are unlikely to succeed easily and may continue for a long time.
Even if the negotiations fail, the possibility of war is still low, although the situation could take any turn at any moment.The success of these talks is essential for regional security.In addition to Pakistan and Qatar, other countries in the region are also making efforts for a permanent ceasefire and to reduce tensions.
Iran is demanding the removal of sanctions, but the United States is not prepared to lift them easily. America wants a price for lifting the sanctions.One reason war has not broken out is that both countries are well aware of the devastating consequences of direct conflict. War would inflict severe damage on both nations.
The biggest issue is Iran’s nuclear program. If this issue is not resolved, it would represent a major defeat for the United States. Other countries have already begun expanding trade and diplomatic relations with Iran, a development that poses a serious threat to American influence. Managing this complex situation is extremely difficult. A lack of trust is also hindering the success of the talks. Neither side is ready to trust the other. Iran fears that if it gives up its nuclear capabilities, the US or another country could attack it.
The threat of war, whether it happens or not,remains present. One can only hope that these negotiations will succeed and peace will return to the Middle East.
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