Iran Walks Out of Talks, Then Claims "Major Progress" After Trump Threat — 80-Minute Meeting Collapses
Iran’s delegation walked out of nuclear talks in Switzerland on Sunday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new strikes, but Tehran later announced “major progress” and the release of frozen assets, as the fragile 60-day ceasefire showed signs of collapse.
The United States and Iran began a new round of negotiations in Geneva on Sunday, just five days into a fragile 60-day ceasefire signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian [176640]. The talks aimed to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding that calls for a halt to fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and for the unfreezing of billions of dollars of Iran’s assets [178594][178553].
However, the talks got off to a rocky start. President Trump threatened to strike Iran if it did not stop the Iran-backed group Hezbollah from “causing trouble” [178538]. In response, the Iranian delegation walked out of the meeting in protest [178909][178797]. According to Iranian state television, the two sides had held an 80-minute meeting before the walkout [178797]. A U.S. diplomat at the Swiss venue said the Iranian delegation was involved in “robust” discussions before leaving [178909].
Despite the walkout, negotiations continued through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan [178797][178594]. Iran’s delegation stated there would be no negotiations on other topics unless the fighting in Lebanon stops [178721]. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said the U.S. “has been unable or unwilling” to hold Israel to the ceasefire [178594].
On the eve of the talks, Iran announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again, citing Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon [178594][178551]. The strait is a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes [178534]. The U.S. disputed Iran’s claim, saying 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil [178594].
Despite the tension, Iran announced “major progress” in the negotiations on Monday [178930]. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi credited mediation from Pakistan and Qatar, stating on social media: “Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched” [178894]. He linked the breakthrough to efforts to end the war in Lebanon [178894].
The interim deal gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, with the possibility of extension [178594]. The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, is also in Switzerland for the talks [178594].