US envoy lands, Iran's Araghchi on the way: Key outcomes to watch from Switzerland talks

High-stakes diplomatic talks between the US and Iran are officially underway in Switzerland, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly arriving for the critical negotiations today. These discussions, also attended by US envoy Jared Kushner, aim to build on a fragile 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this week, offering a narrow 60-day window to hash out a potential nuclear deal and cement an end to recent heightened hostilities. This fresh push for dialogue comes after initial talks slated for Friday were abruptly postponed, a stark reminder of the deep-seated regional complexities at play, particularly the flare-up between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. While a Lebanon ceasefire was reportedly secured yesterday, the incident underscored Iran's clear linkage of the nuclear negotiations to broader regional security and its support for proxies. The core sticking point remains Iran's advancing uranium enrichment program and its accumulated stockpiles, with the US demanding their elimination, while Tehran resists significant concessions. Over the next two months, negotiators face the immense challenge of transitioning the interim MoU into a comprehensive, verifiable agreement, addressing Iran's nuclear activities, the lifting of US and UN sanctions, and ensuring the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The International Atomic Energy Agency stands ready to assist with verification, but gaining full access to Iran's nuclear facilities remains a hurdle. The outcome will not only redefine US-Iran relations but critically influence the geopolitical landscape and energy markets, making every step in Switzerland deeply scrutinized.