Talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland have broken down following threats from President Donald Trump. The Iranian delegation walked out of the meeting, jeopardising the future of the peace process.
- Trump threatened Iran with further strikes, which led to the breakdown of the talks.
- The Iranian delegation walked out of the meeting in Bürgenstock.
- The situation has escalated following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US Vice-President tried to keep the negotiation process on track.
- There were no joint statements or photographs between the parties.
Negotiations are under threat
Negotiations between the US and Iran, which were taking place at the Bürgenstock mountain resort in Switzerland, were in danger of being called off following strong statements by the US President Donald Trump. The Iranian delegation left the meeting early, which came as a surprise to all those present. This was reported reports news agency Reuters.
These talks were the first since signing of the memorandum on mutual understanding, which provided for the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and a cessation of hostilities in the region. However, on the eve of the meeting, Iran announced that it was reclosing the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of failing to fulfil its obligations.
Commenting on the situation, Trump said:
“Iran must immediately put a stop to its highly paid proxies in Lebanon. If it fails to do so, we will once again deliver a very powerful strike, even stronger than last time.”.
These remarks provoked outrage on the Iranian side, leading to their withdrawal from the negotiations.
The Vice-President is trying to keep the dialogue going
Despite Trump’s harsh remarks, the US Vice-President JD Vance tried to adopt a more conciliatory stance. He noted that Trump is keen to “turn the page” on relations between the US and Iran. Vance acknowledged that the situation regarding Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz remains a complex issue and is affecting the negotiation process.
At the same time, the delegations refrained from issuing joint statements, which is indicative of tensions in relations. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi He only spoke to the intermediaries, without making contact with J.D. Vance.
Following Trump’s latest remarks, the Iranian delegation walked out of the negotiations, casting doubt on the future of the peace process.
UPDATE: An Axios journalist Barack Ravid Citing a diplomat present at the talks, he reported that the Iranian delegation had not walked out of the meeting and that consultations between the US and Iran were continuing.
