Negotiations between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have been put on hold after Iranian representatives withdrew in response to President Donald Trump’s recent threats against Iran.
The suspension follows warnings from Trump regarding military action and threats directed at the Iranian negotiating team, tied to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again.”
Iranian officials left the discussions in Burgenstock, Switzerland, though it remains uncertain if this action signals a permanent end to the dialogue or serves as a demonstration of protest. Prior to their departure, both sides reached a provisional arrangement concerning conditions for lifting US sanctions on Iranian oil exports—a critical point for Iran before advancing to negotiations about its nuclear activities.
According to Iranian representatives, the US is expected to issue the sanctions waivers soon. Reports from the Iranian side also highlight advances in discussions about releasing Iranian assets frozen in international banks.
The recent discussions come after both nations agreed to a memorandum of understanding intended to ease the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The agreement stipulates a 60-day window for talks focused on Iran’s civilian nuclear program.
The threats from Trump were perceived by Iranian officials as direct threats to their safety. The Iranian side underscored that last week’s memorandum, signed by Trump, included terms prohibiting acts of aggression.
Iranian negotiators pointed out that the signed memorandum explicitly called for a halt to hostilities across all affected areas, including Israel and Lebanon. Nevertheless, hostilities have continued, with Israeli strikes reportedly resulting in dozens of fatalities in Lebanon over the weekend.
