US-Iran talks in Switzerland yield roadmap for potential deal, mediators say
The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran concluded on Monday (June 22, 2026) in Switzerland, according to mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. The discussions, held under a tenuous ceasefire agreement, resulted in a joint statement outlining a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal.
The joint statement, released by the Qatari foreign ministry, said the two sides agreed to a mechanism to end fighting in Lebanon and opened a communications line to ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Technical talks are set to continue for the rest of the week in the Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance opened talks with Iranian officials on Sunday under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached last week, extending a ceasefire from April for at least another 60 days. The discussions continued until the early hours of Monday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that Iran had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets, and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan. The White House had no immediate comment on whether talks had concluded.
Before talks began, Fox News reported that U.S. President Donald Trump told Iranian officials they would not have a country if they attempted to close the Strait of Hormuz again. Trump also reiterated a threat to take over the waterway and possibly charge tolls. Iran argued that the U.S. had failed to stop hostilities in Lebanon, leading Iran to again halt maritime traffic through the strait over the weekend.
Separate accounts emerged from U.S. and Iranian sources. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing an informed source, said the Iranian delegation refused to return to the negotiation room after Trump’s threats became public, though messages continued through Pakistani and Qatari mediators. A U.S. diplomat involved in the talks told Reuters, “The Iranians never left and are still here meeting and negotiating deep into the night. We’ve talked about the Strait, Lebanon, nuclear issues, and details of implementing the MoU, among other topics.”
High-level discussions are expected to wrap up on Monday, with technical staff continuing further talks, according to a U.S. official. The agreement called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint, and ending all hostilities, including in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire.
Vance downplayed the impact of violence in Lebanon, stating, “These things are always a little bit messy.” Trump, meanwhile, threatened to resume attacks on Iran if it did not rein in its allies, writing on social media, “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!”
