US-Iran Talks Make Progress After Tense Opening

The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran ended in Switzerland on Monday, mediators said, after a tense opening marked by Tehran’s renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump’s threat to resume attacks.

Qatar and Pakistan, which mediated the talks, said both sides had agreed on a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days. Technical discussions will continue at the Bürgenstock mountain resort, focusing on a mechanism to end the fighting in Lebanon and ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the contested strait.

US Vice President JD Vance began talks with Iranian officials on Sunday under the terms of last week’s memorandum of understanding, which is intended to extend the April ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on social media that Tehran had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan for Iran.

Global markets reacted to signs of progress with a further fall in Brent crude futures, which dropped by more than $1 to $79.44 a barrel.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the delegation refused to return to the negotiating room after Trump’s warning that Iran “won’t have a country” if it tried to close the strait again. Messages continued to be exchanged through Pakistani and Qatari mediators.

A US diplomat involved in the talks disputed the account, telling Reuters that the Iranians “never left” and that discussions had continued late into the night. The diplomat said the talks covered the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, nuclear issues and details of implementing the memorandum.

Trump later warned Iran on social media to rein in its allies in Lebanon. Vance nevertheless told reporters that the president had asked US officials to “turn over a new leaf” in relations with the Iranian people.

(Reuters, Max)