First round of US-Iran talks ends after 80 minutes for internal consultations: Report
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The initial round of high-stakes US-Iran talks in Switzerland abruptly concluded after just 80 minutes today, signaling intense friction despite a joint roadmap towards a final peace deal. The unexpected pause, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, follows Iran's temporary withdrawal from four-way discussions in apparent protest of renewed threats from US President Donald Trump and escalating tensions over the conflict in Lebanon. These fragile negotiations, hosted at Switzerland's Bürgenstock resort, are centered on implementing a recent interim Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the months-long 'Epic Fury' war that ignited after a US-Israeli military operation killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February. While the MOU promised to unfreeze Iranian assets, allow oil and petrochemical exports, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's latest claim of closing the vital waterway – a move disputed by the US – and its insistence on a halt to Israeli military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon are threatening to unravel the delicate diplomatic effort. Despite the rocky start, mediators confirmed that 'technical talks' will continue throughout the week, with both sides committing to a 60-day timeline to finalize a comprehensive agreement. A new 'de-confliction cell' involving the US, Iran, and Lebanon has also been established to address the fighting in Lebanon, a critical test of whether this diplomatic track can survive the deep mistrust and volatile regional dynamics. All eyes are now on whether these lower-level discussions can bridge the chasm widened by high-level political rhetoric and ongoing regional clashes.