CAIRO, June 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Envoys from regional heavyweights Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt pushed for swift progress in US-Iran talks at a meeting in Cairo on Sunday, as negotiations between the two foes began in Switzerland.

The Swiss talks are the first since the United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement last week to end their war and are expected to open a 60-day negotiation period to address long-running disputes, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions.

In a joint statement, the ministers called for a "swift and successful conclusion" to negotiations aimed at reaching a solution to outstanding issues that is "lasting, verifiable and mutually acceptable", while taking into account regional concerns, particularly the security and stability of Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia, which was hit by Iranian attacks during the conflict, joined mediator Pakistan alongside Turkey and Egypt in facilitating negotiations weeks into the Middle East war.