U.S. and Iran conclude high-level talks in Switzerland, mediators say - Sun, 21 Jun 2026 PST

High-level talks between the U.S. and Iran concluded in Switzerland with a fragile agreement on a 60-day roadmap towards a final peace deal, despite a turbulent opening marked by Tehran's renewed closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz and a barrage of aggressive threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced 'encouraging progress,' but the discussions were overshadowed by Trump's warnings to 'hit Iran very hard again' and even reportedly threatened to kidnap Iranian negotiators if the Strait remained shut, prompting a temporary walkout by the Iranian delegation. These talks aimed to build upon a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend a ceasefire, which has been severely tested by Israeli military operations in Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah. While U.S. Vice President JD Vance sought a 'new leaf' in relations, Trump's contradictory threats cast a long shadow, highlighting the deep divisions and high stakes involved, particularly concerning the free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the volatile situation in the Levant. Looking ahead, technical talks are set to continue throughout the week, with both sides agreeing to establish working groups on nuclear issues and sanctions, alongside a crucial 'de-confliction cell' for Lebanon. This 60-day period will be a critical test, particularly for the newly formed communication line designed to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations in Lebanon, as declared by Iran Foreign Minister as the 'first real test' of the understandings.