Vance to Join US-Iran Negotiations in Switzerland
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Switzerland on Saturday for negotiations with Iran, following the digital signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday. Axios reported, citing a source, that Vance's participation in the talks is anticipated.
US President Donald Trump and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian virtually signed the MoU aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching negotiations on a broader agreement.
Vance on Trump's Nuclear Strategy
In a Fox News interview, Vance reflected on Trump's long-term plan to neutralize Iran's nuclear ambitions. He emphasized the President's commitment to the permanent elimination of Iran's enriched uranium reserves through aggressive negotiations and strict verification measures.
"He's (Trump) thinking about this for my kids' sake, for our grandkids' sake, to ensure that this regime never has the ability to develop a nuclear weapon," Vance said. He described his travel plans as a "delicate coordination dance" where "diplomatic protocols" must be considered. The trip, initially scheduled for Friday, was postponed to Sunday.
US and Iranian Delegations in Switzerland
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are already in Switzerland, where the first round of talks on a potential nuclear deal is expected on Sunday, US officials told Axios. The Iranian delegation left Tehran shortly after the Iranian armed forces announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to alleged ceasefire violations by the US and Israel.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also traveled to Switzerland earlier today. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf is expected to attend the talks, according to Axios. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, arrived in Switzerland on Friday, as Qatar is a principal mediator facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan and Qatar as Mediators
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry stated that the US-Iran talks will be held in Switzerland on Sunday, with Islamabad and Qatar present. According to a press release, the "technical-level talks" will be held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, and include representatives of the US and Iran, along with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.
"As a follow-up to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, technical-level talks will be held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on 21 June 2026. Representatives of the United States and Iran, along with Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, will participate in the discussions," the release stated. The talks were initially scheduled for Friday but were postponed amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire Violations
Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon that continued despite the ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. US Central Command reported that commercial ship traffic in the Strait increased on Saturday, with 55 merchant ships transiting, moving more than 17 million barrels of oil.
"Safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today as 55 merchant ships transited, moving large amounts of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets," US CentCom wrote on X. The command affirmed the US resolve to ensure adherence to the MoU terms.
Israel and Hezbollah Clashes Continue
The IDF claimed that fresh strikes in Lebanon were in retaliation for Hezbollah's "repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire." The Israeli Air Force stated that Hezbollah launched over 50 strikes on Israeli forces, and Israel retaliated by striking dozens of "terrorist infrastructures" and terrorists overnight.
Hezbollah, in a statement, said it attacked Israeli forces attempting to advance in southern Lebanon, while stating it has "adhered to the ceasefire" since Friday afternoon. Hezbollah affirmed its commitment to the ceasefire but said it "will not tolerate any attempt by the enemy to seize land and expand its occupation."
Iran Condemns Israel, Warns of Further Steps
Iran criticized Israel's actions in Lebanon as a "relentless and continuous violation of the ceasefire," according to Fars. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson called this the first response and warned of "subsequent steps" if the MoU's terms are breached further.
"It is recalled that this step is the first response to the enemy's breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, subsequent steps will be planned and taken to compel the enemy to fulfil its commitments," the spokesperson said. With the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the future of the truce between Iran and the US remains uncertain.
