Iranian negotiators have suspended high-level talks with the United States in Switzerland after protesting a series of threats made by US President Donald Trump, including warnings of military action and remarks interpreted by Tehran as threats against the safety of its delegation.
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The talks, held in Burgenstock, were the first direct negotiations since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz and opening a 60-day process on Iran’s civilian nuclear programme.
Negotiators Walk Out of Switzerland Talks
It was not immediately clear whether the Iranian walkout marked a permanent breakdown in negotiations or a temporary protest. Before leaving the talks, however, Iranian and US officials reportedly reached a draft agreement outlining how Washington could issue waivers easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Progress on Oil Sanctions and Frozen Assets
Iranian officials said the proposed waivers could be issued soon and added that discussions had also advanced on the release of Iranian assets frozen in overseas bank accounts.
The talks followed last week’s agreement between the two countries designed to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies.
Tensions rose after Trump repeatedly warned Iran to rein in the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which has continued clashes with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Iranian officials argued that the US president’s comments violated the non-aggression provisions included in last week’s memorandum.
Trump and Ghalibaf Exchange Warnings
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed Trump’s threats, saying Tehran would not be influenced by pressure from Washington.
The Iranian delegation also faced domestic pressure to demonstrate scepticism toward the Trump administration, contributing to the decision to leave the talks.
Iran has reimposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move was a response to ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Tehran argues that Israel’s actions violate the ceasefire provisions outlined in the memorandum signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
On social media, Trump warned Iran to stop supporting Hezbollah and threatened further military action if it failed to do so. During an interview with Fox News, he also suggested the United States could take control of the strait if negotiations collapsed.
Iran lodged a formal protest with mediators, describing Trump’s remarks as unacceptable and demanding action against what it called “bullying”.
Vance Strikes More Conciliatory Tone
While Trump adopted a confrontational approach, US Vice-President JD Vance presented a more conciliatory message in Switzerland.
Vance said the administration wanted to “turn over a new leaf” with Iran and indicated Washington was prepared to transform relations if Tehran abandoned what the US describes as regional destabilisation and long-term nuclear weapons ambitions.
The negotiations also involved representatives from Pakistan and Qatar, which are acting as mediators. Iran declined to appear publicly alongside the US delegation, led by Vance, along with Jared Kushner and US envoy Steve Witkoff.
Nuclear Issues Remain Unresolved
Iran says the immediate priorities are securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions on oil exports and unfreezing overseas assets.
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, was also present in Switzerland. However, Tehran wants discussions on future inspections of its nuclear facilities postponed until sanctions-related disputes are resolved.
Under the current framework, both sides aim to settle outstanding nuclear issues, including the scope of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, within 60 days, although the deadline can be extended by mutual agreement.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 June 2026