U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Continue in Switzerland Despite Breakdown Reports

Senior U.S. and Iranian officials are still in talks in Switzerland, according to people familiar with the matter, rebutting reports that the negotiations had been suspended.

Bloomberg reported on June 21 that Iranian semi-official media said Tehran had halted talks with Washington after President Donald Trump warned of further military action over Lebanon’s Hezbollah. But people familiar with the matter said both delegations remain at the Swiss venue and are continuing discussions.

Trump wrote on social media that the U.S. would strike again if Iran did not immediately rein in its proxy forces in Lebanon. In an interview with Fox News, he also said the U.S. could impose transit fees if Iran again blocks the Strait of Hormuz, stepping up pressure on Tehran.

The meeting in Buergenstock, Switzerland, was the first high-level round of talks between the two sides. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and delegations from Qatar and Pakistan attended.

People involved in the negotiations said the outcome of the conflict in Lebanon has emerged as a key variable in determining whether the U.S.-Iran talks succeed. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions on Iran and the return of frozen assets are also under discussion.

The talks began at 2:45 p.m. and were scheduled to continue through Sunday evening. Swiss authorities plan to keep the venue available until Monday morning in case the negotiations are extended.

Separately, Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, apart from its war against Iran that began in February. Iran is seeking to link the Lebanon crisis to its negotiations with the U.S., while Israel has maintained that it will keep troops in the border area until the Hezbollah threat is fully removed.