OBBÜRGEN, Switzerland (AP) — United States Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the opportunity to engage Iran in discussions aimed at advancing the interim agreement to end the conflict in Iran, which both parties achieved last week. However, President Donald Trump warned of resuming offensive measures against Iran due to its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon or if it decides to shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump urged Iran via social media to halt its
“highly paid henchmen in Lebanon from causing trouble.”
He further warned that failure to comply would lead to stronger retaliatory actions against Iran.
Vance, along with U.S. negotiators, met with Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at a resort near Lake Lucerne. The meeting, which lasted approximately 80 minutes, also involved Pakistani and Qatari mediators. Separate discussions occurred between the U.S. and Iranian teams with officials from Pakistan and Qatar.
The United States aims to keep Iran tied to negotiations regarding its nuclear program amidst concerns over its potential military use, which Iran denies. Vance urged Iran to commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, a critical waterway for global oil trade.
Trump’s distant comments from Camp David, Maryland, threatened to derail negotiations. Via social media, Qalibaf cautioned “better be careful with their statements” , asserting military preparedness to respond differently.
Iranian state media reported that talks reached a “challenging phase” following Trump’s provocative message. Despite heated exchanges online, a knowledgeable official conveyed to The Associated Press that Iran remained committed to the discussions.
The signing of the framework occurred last week, triggering a 60-day race for both nations’ chief negotiators to agree on technical details, impacting global economy and security.
Conflicts in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah continue threatening attempts by the U.S. to secure Tehran’s nuclear concessions and ensure Hormuz remains open.
Vance remarked, “The question before us now is how much more we can accomplish together. Can we turn the page?” , as negotiations, dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” , commenced.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, emphasized focusing negotiations on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Increased combat in Lebanon and Iran’s announcement about shutting Hormuz tested the agreement. A ceasefire in Lebanon negotiated recently seems stable.
The signed agreement immediately allows Iran to freely sell its oil and access billions of previously frozen assets. It requires Iran to dilute its highly enriched uranium stock, allegedly buried under nuclear installations targeted by the U.S. last summer. Still, President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Iran won’t abandon its uranium enrichment rights.
“What is certain is that we will never back down from the right to enrich uranium,” declared Pezeshkian and emphasized acceptance from the other party.
Trump warned Pezeshkian of consequences if he doesn’t watch his statements, threatening control over the rest of Iran.
Negotiations resumed cautiously on account of prior experiences, where U.S.-Iran nuclear talks broke twice last year following massive attacks on Iran.
“The implementation of any document is more important than its signing,” Baghaei stressed.
Originally, Vance planned to arrive at Bürgenstock, near Lucerne, Friday, but delays occurred following canceled meetings due to intensifying Lebanese combat. The U.S. Central Command disputed Iran’s claim of closing the Strait, asserting continued traffic monitoring to ensure flow.
Vance joined envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, in Sunday’s discussions. Witkoff and Kushner were already at the venue discussing nuclear negotiation details.
Despite controversy, Trump and Vance faced criticisms from hardline party members comparing the agreement unfavorably to a previous Obama administration nuclear pact. The deal allows commercial ships toll-free passage through Hormuz for 60 days but doesn’t exclude possible future Iranian fees.
Trump threatened U.S. toll imposition in Hormuz if no deal occurs in 60 days, asserting fees for “services provided as the Guardian Angel of Middle Eastern countries.”
Trump’s administration assured global markets conflict was a minor impact on oil prices. However, U.S. citizens complained about gas price hikes preceding peak travel months. The White House announcement led to an almost 8% drop in oil futures and markets will closely watch negotiation progress starting Sunday night.
Israel and Hezbollah haven’t signed the U.S.-Iran deal yet, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ensuring forces remain in southern Lebanon until threats to Israel dissipate. Hezbollah demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon for attack cessation.