US-Iran talks in Switzerland begin as Strait of Hormuz remains closed
US and Iranian delegations meet in Switzerland for talks aimed at expanding a fragile interim deal, with the agenda including Lebanon ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, amid internal Iranian disputes.
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to lead the American delegation in talks with Iran at the Bürgenstock resort. The discussions aim to build on a fragile interim deal to end the war, but face difficulties including Iran's decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed in protest at Donald Trump's inability to force Israel to end fighting in Lebanon.
Vance said he had added Lebanon to the agenda, originally focused on reopening the strait, lifting US sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and unfreezing Iranian assets. The Iranian delegation is led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with the presence of the deputy oil minister and central bank governor indicating Iran's focus on sanction relief terms.
The first clause of the memorandum of understanding published last week calls for a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, where fighting has escalated between Israel and Hezbollah. Vance expressed hope for progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire, but noted he could only participate for a day or two.
The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed that US and Iranian delegations, along with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, are present at the resort. Talks were set to begin later Sunday morning.
Iran's decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed has not yet been practically tested, but Trump warned last week that the world would run out of sufficient refined oil within four weeks and face a global recession if the strait remained closed.
In Tehran, a furious row erupted between negotiation advocates and those who insist talks with the US are pointless. Mahmoud Nabavian, a long-time critic, claimed the current negotiations differ fundamentally from conditions set by the supreme leader. His state TV appearance was cut short, and legal action was announced. President Masoud Pezeshkian tried to calm tensions, saying the memorandum's provisions are in Iran's favor and that Trump's words had shifted 180 degrees.
Washington announced a renewed ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, but Israeli troops clashed again with Hezbollah the following day. Citing a US "breach of contract," Iran's central military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic.
