Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Switzerland have been thrown into uncertainty after President Donald Trump issued fresh threats against Tehran, even as diplomatic talks continue behind the scenes.
US Vice President JD Vance is currently leading American discussions with Iranian officials at a luxury resort in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, where both sides are attempting to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and revive a broader peace deal covering the Middle East conflict.
However, the talks have reportedly stalled, though a source familiar with the negotiations said they have not collapsed entirely. Back-channel efforts are ongoing to bring both delegations back to the table.
Speaking on Sunday, Trump warned Iran to rein in its allied militant groups, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, or face military action. In a post on Truth Social, he accused Iran of “supporting highly paid proxies” and threatened a strong response if attacks continued.
He also escalated tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, suggesting the United States could take control of the waterway if a deal is not reached a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Iranian officials.
Iran’s chief negotiator dismissed Trump’s comments as “desperation” and insisted that Tehran is not intimidated, adding that Iran’s military remains prepared to respond if provoked.
Despite the rhetoric, officials say progress has been made on certain aspects of the talks, including a draft agreement on temporary relief from US sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
However, major sticking points remain, especially around ending the Lebanon conflict and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials say the key priorities in the talks include securing a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme, while also stabilising global energy markets that have been disrupted by months of conflict.
As tensions rise, both sides continue to signal openness to diplomacy even as threats and warnings from Washington and Tehran risk pushing the fragile negotiations further off course.
