First round of US-Iran negotiations concludes in Switzerland; technical talks to follow despite Trump's threats and brief walkout
The first high-level meeting between the US and Iran since last week's preliminary peace deal ended early Monday in Buergenstock, Switzerland. Despite a tense atmosphere, a walkout over Donald Trump's social media threats, and an ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz, the sides agreed to continue technical negotiations.
Tense start in Switzerland
The talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, began Sunday morning at the Buergenstock resort. The US delegation was led by Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran's team included Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Aragczi. The negotiations are the first step toward a comprehensive agreement following the preliminary ceasefire signed by Trump in Versailles last week, which initiated a 60-day window for final talks.
Trump's post and a brief walkout
About 80 minutes into the session, Trump posted on Truth Social: "Iran must immediately stop its highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble. If it doesn't, we will hit Iran again very hard - like last week, only harder." Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that the delegation left the building, calling the post "offensive." However, an anonymous diplomatic source told AFP that the Iranian team remained engaged and did not inform mediators of any intention to withdraw. Talks resumed later the same day.
- Talks begin in Buergenstock, Switzerland, led by VP Vance and Speaker Ghalibaf
- After 80 minutes, Trump's Truth Social threat prompts Iranian delegation to briefly walk out
- Talks resume; US diplomat reports significant progress on Strait of Hormuz opening
- First round concludes; joint statement announces technical negotiations to continue
Progress on deconfliction and nuclear issues
A US diplomat quoted by Axios said the sides discussed "deconfliction mechanisms in Lebanon and enforcing the ceasefire," as well as the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had announced it was closing again over the weekend.
The agenda also covered all elements of a nuclear deal and implementation of the preliminary agreement. The diplomat described the talks as "fruitful" and said all four parties appeared satisfied.We made clear we want to ensure its full opening. We made significant progress on that front.
Hormuz ultimatum and oil flow
In a Fox News interview on Sunday, Trump threatened to "destroy" Iran if it closes the strait.
He added that the US could take control of the waterway and impose transit fees if no deal is reached. Trump claimed that 19 million barrels of oil passed through Hormuz on Saturday, up from 16 million cited by Vance a day earlier and 12.5 million reported on Friday. Iranian spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei dismissed the threats as "empty bluffs," sayingClose it, and you won't have a country.
the expiration date of these bluffs has expired.
- 2026-06-19
- 12.5 million barrels
- 2026-06-20 (Vance)
- 16 million barrels
- 2026-06-20 (Trump)
- 19 million barrels
Next steps
The first round concluded early Monday morning. A joint statement issued by Qatar's foreign ministry said technical talks between US and Iranian representatives would continue in Buergenstock through the end of the week. The sides reportedly agreed on a mechanism to end fighting in Lebanon and a communication channel to ensure safe passage through Hormuz. The broader goal remains a comprehensive deal covering Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, nuclear non-proliferation, sanctions relief, and a $300 billion reconstruction plan.
