Pakistan Steps In as US-Iran Deal Nears—Switzerland Praises Mediation Role

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis on Tuesday, where Switzerland acknowledged Islamabad's role in bridging talks between the United States and Iran [171739]. The Swiss foreign ministry issued a statement commending Pakistan's mediation, as Geneva emerges as a potential venue for a deal [171739]. Switzerland often represents US diplomatic interests in Iran since the two countries lack formal relations [171739].

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran has proposed a memorandum with the United States that would end hostilities across all war fronts, including in Lebanon [171730]. He added that an MoU could be signed within days [171637]. However, Araghchi made clear that Iran will not give up its nuclear program under any agreement [171380]. The only acceptable method for managing enriched uranium is dilution inside Iran, he stated [171645].

Contrary to some media reports, Iran has made no commitment to hand over management of the Strait of Hormuz or restore it to its pre-war state [171380]. Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) warned against speculation, stating that the United States will have no role in the strait's future management [171380]. Tehran says it will resolve the waterway's status directly with Oman [171380]. Iran also announced that new service fees will be charged for passage through the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes [171649].

Despite the diplomatic momentum, tensions remain high. A US Apache helicopter was shot down by Iranian forces off the Gulf of Oman just hours after President Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire extension was "so close" and would take "two or three days max" to finalize [171672]. The crew was rescued from the sea [171672]. The attack appeared aimed at stopping increased US air patrols targeting Iranian drones as part of efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz [171672].

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is preparing contingency plans to send special forces and Energy Department teams into Iran to secure enriched uranium stockpiles if a nuclear deal is reached, according to a CBS News report [171732]. The operation would involve US military personnel and civilian nuclear experts working together to locate and remove fissile material from Iranian facilities, though no final decision has been made [171732].

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on both sides to reach a diplomatic agreement, describing the current standoff as "unsustainable" and warning that continued tension risks further destabilizing the Middle East [171644].