OBBUERGEN, Switzerland — High-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at finalizing an interim agreement to end ongoing regional hostilities began with tension on Sunday, complicated by public threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. The negotiations, held at a resort in Switzerland under the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, focus on key issues including Iran’s nuclear program, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, and the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets.
Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by senior officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iranian counterparts included Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Although the parties met for about 80 minutes, Iranian state media reported a recess following what they described as an "insulting message" from Trump, delivered via social media and interviews. The Iranian delegation subsequently consulted with Qatari mediators and temporarily left the negotiation site. However, an official familiar with the talks indicated the Iranian side remained engaged and had not signaled any intention to withdraw.
Trump’s remarks centered on Iran’s role in Lebanon’s ongoing conflict, where Israeli forces have been fighting Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. On social media, Trump demanded that Iran cease supporting its "highly paid proxies" and warned of a harsh military response if provocations continued, referencing a recent U.S. attack. He also threatened to take over the Strait of Hormuz should Iran interfere with shipping passage. In a Fox News interview, Trump reiterated his warnings, telling Iranian officials to “watch what they say” and asserting severe consequences for closing the strategically vital waterway.
Iranian negotiators responded sharply. Qalibaf cautioned that while the U.S. made threats, Iran's armed forces were prepared to act. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iran wants initial talks to focus on resolving the situation in Lebanon before engaging on other points, such as the nuclear program and maritime issues.
The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for a significant portion of the world's oil supply, has been a focal point of dispute. Tehran announced it had closed the strait in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, though U.S. military officials disputed this claim, citing continued commercial shipping. However, shipping data showed a marked reduction in vessel movements following Iran’s announcement.
The interim deal, signed last week by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, immediately allows Iran to resume unrestricted oil sales and access billions in frozen assets. It also calls for Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a measure aimed at limiting potential nuclear weapons development, which Iran denies pursuing. Despite this, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s unwillingness to relinquish its right to uranium enrichment, framing it as a non-negotiable point.
The agreement aims to halt all hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, where a ceasefire brokered last Friday appeared to be holding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has stated that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon until threats from Hezbollah are neutralized. Hezbollah has insisted it will maintain attacks unless Israel withdraws its forces.
As the talks proceed in a 60-day sprint to define technical details, U.S. officials express cautious optimism about potentially “turning over a new leaf” and altering Middle East relations, while acknowledging the fragility of the current situation amid sharp rhetoric and unresolved regional conflicts.