News Desk
BÜRGENSTOCK, SWITZERLAND: Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level pre-negotiation meeting with a senior Iranian delegation ahead of formal Iran–United States talks, in what officials described as a key coordination step designed to streamline positions before structured dialogue began.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the wider diplomatic process, took place shortly before the start of formal negotiations and was intended to allow an initial exchange of views on issues of mutual concern. According to official sources, it was part of a broader sequence of consultations aimed at reducing gaps between the parties and ensuring a more orderly transition into the main negotiating phase.
Pakistan’s military leadership also participated in the engagement, with Asim Munir attending alongside the prime minister. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present, reflecting what officials described as Islamabad’s central coordinating role in facilitating the diplomatic process. The presence of senior civilian and military figures underscored the importance Pakistan has attached to its mediation efforts.
On the Iranian side, the delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and included senior parliamentary leadership such as Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, signalling Tehran’s engagement at the highest institutional level. Officials familiar with the discussions said the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to outline preliminary positions ahead of the formal negotiations.
The engagement formed part of a broader set of bilateral and multilateral contacts taking place around the talks, including earlier interactions between Pakistani officials and representatives of the United States. Diplomats involved in the process said these preparatory meetings were intended to smooth procedural and political hurdles before the main dialogue session commenced.
