US, Iranian and Pakistani delegations converge on Switzerland

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for technical-level talks with Iran, according to Reuters, marking the start of the next phase of negotiations aimed at implementing the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Before departing, Vance said he hoped the discussions would produce progress on Iran's nuclear programme and efforts to strengthen the ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that "Israel and Lebanon want security".

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also travelling to Switzerland, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and a delegation led by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi have already arrived.

The negotiations are expected to focus on implementing commitments contained in the agreement and addressing outstanding issues, including nuclear matters, sanctions and regional security.