Vance Hopes for New Chapter in US-Iran Relations at Switzerland Talks
US Vice President James Vance expressed hope for resetting ties with Iran during historic talks in Switzerland, while President Trump threatened renewed strikes over Hezbollah.
Talks between the United States and Iran have begun at a lakeside resort near Lucerne, Switzerland, aimed at achieving lasting peace. US Vice President James David Vance, upon entering the negotiation room, described the meeting as historic. He stated that the key question now is how much the two sides can achieve together, whether they can start anew and transform relations in the Middle East. Vance acknowledged the possibility of reverting to old methods, though that is not their desire.
The US delegation includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran is represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Kalibaf. Qatar and Pakistan are acting as mediators.
Vance said President Donald Trump has tasked them with beginning a new phase to reshape relations with the Iranian people. Trump's message is that if Iran's leadership abandons regional destabilization and nuclear ambitions, the US is ready for a radical transformation of ties.
However, simultaneously, Trump issued threats on his social media platform Truth Social. He demanded Tehran curb Hezbollah's activities in Lebanon, warning that failure to do so would result in renewed attacks on Iran, even heavier than last week's.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, opening the talks, expressed hope for wonderful discussions leading to productive outcomes and a document promoting peace and prosperity worldwide. The Iranian delegation did not address journalists, and Araghchi did not join Vance and the Qatari and Pakistani leaders for photographs.
