US-Iran peace talks open in Burgenstock as Sharif backs progress

Newdelhi,UPDATED: Jun 21, 2026 20:48 IST

Delegations led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf began talks in the Swiss mountain resort of Burgenstock on Sunday, in an effort aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he hoped for 'very productive results' from discussions on the technical aspects of the US-Iran peace agreement.

Elsewhere, thousands of people marked the Day of Yoga across the world under the theme 'Healthy Ageing', with events held from Tokyo's historic temples to Times Square in New York. In the UK, Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure to resign as Labour Party leader to pave the way for Andy Burnham to take over as the new British Prime Minister.

The US, Iran and mediators opened the talks in Burgenstock with delegations led by Vance and Ghalibaf. Sharif, commenting on the development, said he hoped the discussions on the technical aspects of the US-Iran peace agreement would lead to 'very productive results'.

Yoga enthusiasts across the world came together on Sunday to celebrate the Day of Yoga, underlining the growing appeal of the ancient Indian practice as a path to health, balance and well-being. In New York, thousands of yoga enthusiasts and practitioners gathered at the iconic Times Square for a day-long session to mark the occasion.

In China, the Day of Yoga was celebrated at Shanghai's iconic Bund waterfront, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. The global observance also stretched from Tokyo's historic temples to other major cities, reflecting the wide reach of the event.

In London, the 12th Day of Yoga was celebrated with fervour, with a special yoga and mindfulness event organised by the High Commission of India. In the US, Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer issued a proclamation recognising the Day of Yoga in the state and urged residents to explore the practice for a healthier lifestyle.

In British politics, pressure mounted on Starmer to step down as Labour leader in favour of Burnham as the new Prime Minister. Overall, the day saw diplomatic talks begin in Switzerland, Sharif voice hope over the US-Iran discussions, Yoga Day observed across the world, and political pressure build on Starmer in the UK.

With PTI Inputs

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