PM, Field Marshal Munir join high-stakes US-Iran talks as diplomacy gains momentum

• Premier Shehbaz, COAS and CDF Munir meet US Vice President JD Vance ahead of Bürgenstock negotiations

• Pakistani, Iranian, Qatari and US leaders express optimism for breakthrough on regional peace and stability

• Vance praises PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir for key role in advancing diplomatic process

• Peace initiative follows landmark accord ending months-long US-Iran conflict

 BÜRGENSTOCK, SWITZERLAND: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday joined senior United States, Iranian and Qatari leaders in Bürgenstock ahead of high-level peace talks aimed at advancing the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with participants expressing optimism that the diplomatic process could pave the way for lasting regional stability and global peace.

Talking to the media before the start of technical-level talks between Iran and the United States, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, US Vice President JD Vance and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that their collaborative diplomatic efforts marked the beginning of an important process aimed at building a sustainable future and achieving a broader framework for regional and global stability.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed hope that the discussions between the United States and Iran would yield positive results and culminate in a document that would advance the cause of peace, progress and prosperity around the world, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

US Vice President JD Vance, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and members of various delegations, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, were also present.

TALKS CRUCIAL FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN REGION: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the talks were crucial for peace and prosperity in the region, noting that the crisis had created significant challenges for the world.

He thanked US President Donald Trump for his visionary and dynamic leadership that helped bring the parties together in Switzerland.

The prime minister also praised US Vice President JD Vance, the Prime Minister of Qatar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership and consistent efforts in advancing the peace process.

He said the leadership gathered at Bürgenstock had the potential to help shape a future of lasting peace.

“I think together all these efforts have culminated here in this wonderful, humanistic Bürgenstock. It's really very wonderful to be here. Hopefully, when we go back to our homes, we'll have some wonderful paper in our hands which will promote peace, progress, and prosperity around the globe,” he remarked.

Vance showers PM, Field Marshal Munir with praise

US Vice President JD Vance, in his remarks, appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership and sustained efforts in promoting peace.

“We would not be here without the Field Marshal who is a great military leader, statesman and diplomat,” he said.

“I have a few other notes of appreciation. First of all, to the Prime Minister of Pakistan — a dear friend of the President, a dear friend of mine, and a guy whose leadership and very careful, skilled negotiations have gotten us to this point. Also to his Field Marshal in Pakistan, Asim Munir... I've probably talked to Field Marshal Munir more than I've talked to anybody else over the last three months. We would not be here without his statesmanship,” Vance stated.

He also praised the Qatari prime minister, describing him as an important partner in advancing the diplomatic initiative.

“What we're trying to accomplish here is something very simple: through diplomacy and through working together, to transform the Middle East... Now, we see a future where everybody can work together to promote peace and prosperity for everyone.”

Describing the meeting as “historic,” Vance said never before had Iranian and American leaders engaged at such a high level.

“What the President has asked us to do is turn over a new leaf, to transform our relationship with the people of Iran, and to extend an outstretched hand... That is certainly our goal. We've already made great progress over just the last few hours, and I expect that we'll make additional progress in the hours to come.”

Responding to a question regarding the conflict in Lebanon, Vance said President Trump remained committed to achieving a comprehensive regional ceasefire as efforts toward peace continued.

In his remarks, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also praised the leadership of the US Vice President, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for helping initiate and advance the diplomatic process.

PEACE TALKS FOLLOW SIGNING OF US-IRAN PEACE AGREEMENT

The talks are being held at the Swiss resort following the signing of a US-Iran peace agreement brokered by Pakistan earlier this week. US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the accord, ending nearly four months of conflict between Washington and Tehran and opening a 60-day window for further diplomatic engagement.

Tensions briefly rose ahead of the talks after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and military officials announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing alleged Israeli violations of ceasefire commitments in Lebanon. However, US Central Command rejected the claim, with spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stating that Iran does not control the key maritime trade route.

According to the PMO, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will participate in the High-Level Talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Bürgenstock leading a high-level delegation. He and Field Marshal Munir later met US Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The leaders exchanged greetings and posed for photographs.

Earlier, the Foreign Office said high-level delegations from Iran, Qatar and the United States were also present at the Swiss resort for the peace discussions.

Iranian state media reported that a senior delegation led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf had arrived in Switzerland for the negotiations. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi as well as senior security, central bank and energy officials.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan would continue supporting and advancing the implementation of understandings reached between Iran and the United States during the peace process.

It added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to hold bilateral meetings with delegations from Iran, Qatar, Switzerland and the United States on the sidelines of the talks to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and durable peace in the region.