by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
BERN (Worthy News) – With the Middle East in turmoil, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived Sunday in the peaceful Alpine nation of Switzerland to help hammer out a deal aimed at ending the U.S.-Israel war with Iran that has engulfed much of the region and sent shockwaves through the global economy.
Vance arrived at the Bürgenstock Resort in Obbuergen, near the central Swiss city of Lucerne, for talks expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s concerns over the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Vance, who is accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, told reporters before boarding his flight that he hoped to “make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue.”
Iranian officials have signaled that discussions are unlikely to advance unless the conflict in Lebanon is addressed first, while U.S. officials have indicated they are prepared to discuss both security and nuclear concerns.
LEBANON FOCUS
A diplomatic source said Lebanon would be among the first issues discussed as Israel and Hezbollah continue exchanging fire despite a declared ceasefire.
The latest violence has left dozens dead in Lebanon and raised fears of a broader regional escalation.
The talks also come amid tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has threatened to close the vital shipping route in response to renewed Israeli military action, though U.S. military officials say commercial traffic continues to move through the waterway.
PAKISTAN PARTICIPATES
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has warned Tehran that failure to reach an agreement could lead to additional U.S. measures affecting shipping through the Gulf.
Adding to the diplomatic effort, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Switzerland for meetings linked to what Islamabad described as the implementation of a previous understanding aimed at reducing tensions.
Pakistan, which has sought to position itself as a mediator, said delegations from Iran, Qatar, the United States and Switzerland would participate in discussions focused on promoting dialogue and regional stability.
Diplomats hope the discussions can prevent a wider regional conflict while reviving efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program and the violence in Lebanon.
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