Few anticipated that the Iran-US talks at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort would actually take place, and throughout the process, doubts grew about their feasibility. As one of five Pakistani journalists present, I witnessed not just the public moments but also the intense behind-the-scenes negotiations that lasted eighteen hours without pause, leaving no room for error.
The journey began amid rumors of cancellation. Upon arriving in Zurich, I was informed the event was called off, yet with my return flight days away, waiting was the only option. Just before my scheduled departure, news arrived that Mohsin Naqvi had traveled to Iran to persuade their delegation to return to the table. When I contacted him for advice, his brief reply was to stay put. Soon after, the schedule revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir would personally travel to Zurich.
On the morning of the talks, all participants were instructed to reach Bürgenstock Resort before 10am Swiss time, after which the area was secured and sealed. Upon arrival, PM Shehbaz Sharif appeared shortly thereafter, entering directly without addressing the media. The media center was already crowded with international press when the Pakistani delegation arranged special passes granting the five Pakistani journalists access to the negotiation venue. The initial phase involved bilateral meetings between delegations, followed by a planned joint photo session featuring Iran, the US, Qatar, and Pakistan.
The Iranian delegation requested a private meeting with Pakistan first, during which Baqir Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with PM Shehbaz Sharif. Inside the main hall, the Pakistani leaders greeted journalists warmly before the American delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and accompanied by Jared Kushner and Steven Witkoff, entered. The Qatari Prime Minister followed, exchanging greetings with all leaders.
However, tension arose when a senior Iranian official whispered to PM Shehbaz Sharif and then exited abruptly, followed by Mohsin Naqvi. The Iranians raised two objections: they had not been informed about the joint photo session beforehand and refused to be photographed with the Americans. Additionally, they criticized recent threatening tweets from former President Donald Trump, questioning the rationale behind ultimatums during formal negotiations. Consequently, the Iranians declined the joint photograph with the US delegation.
During the media interaction, JD Vance made a lighthearted comment comparing his close contacts in India and Pakistan to his wife from India and Field Marshal Asim Munir from Pakistan, eliciting laughter. This remark caused irritation in India but underscored that the Trump administration views Field Marshal Munir as a key regional figure capable of managing significant security challenges.
Meanwhile, experts from the foreign ministries of all four countries collaborated late into the night, meticulously drafting a joint statement. By 2am Swiss time, Field Marshal Munir, Mohsin Naqvi, and the Qatari Prime Minister were engaged in final consultations. What began at 9am continued well past midnight.
In a significant development, the finalized draft announced that Iran and the United States had agreed to establish working groups and technical committees to sustain the negotiation process, with technical teams from both sides remaining in Switzerland. A high-level central committee was also created to mediate if future obstacles arise. This outcome marked Pakistan’s greatest diplomatic achievement in the talks, disappointing those who wished to see the process fail and Pakistan’s role diminished.
At the conclusion, only a few Pakistani journalists remained as Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed gratitude, saying, “A million thanks to Allah that we have been granted this success. This is entirely by His grace, He is the one who makes things happen.” The moment was a proud affirmation of Pakistan’s standing on the global stage.
