US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Switzerland for high-level talks with Iran, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The Iranian delegation has already arrived in the country, with the main goal of ensuring full implementation of the interim deal to end the war.
Mediators Pakistan and Qatar are also present in Switzerland to facilitate the talks after the formal signing of the peace memorandum was postponed by Vance on Friday.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued their military operations in southern Lebanon, killing around 32 people and injuring dozens more recently.
According to health officials, fresh strikes killed 16 people, a day after 16 others were killed on Thursday and Friday. The latest attacks have left nine people missing.
On Sunday, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed for shipping in response to Israel’s continued assaults on Lebanon. However, the US military has stated that the waterway remains open to all vessels. Israel’s repeated actions aimed at derailing the peace deal have emerged as a major challenge for both Iran and the United States.
While the two sides are no longer engaged in direct hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is facing corruption charges and accusations related to the Gaza conflict—has refused to comply with the terms of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding.
It is pertinent to mention that the Israeli Supreme Court has previously sentenced former prime ministers and political leaders to jail, and Netanyahu could become the latest high-profile figure to face such a fate.
Experts believe the constant turmoil in the Middle East currently benefits only one man — Benjamin Netanyahu — as it allows him to remain in power and delay his trials indefinitely.
Follow us
