Iran Deal Talks Begin in Switzerland as Strait of Hormuz Closes Again

U.S. and Iranian negotiators met in Switzerland on Sunday to finalize details of an interim agreement aimed at ending the Iran war. The U.S. team, led by Vice President JD Vance and including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is meeting with Iranian officials led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani and Qatari mediators are also present. The talks focus on Iran’s nuclear program and a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Hezbollah. On the eve of the talks, Iran announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again, citing Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. The strait is a vital waterway for global oil shipments. The interim deal, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to stop fighting on all fronts. It also calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen and for toll-free travel through the strait for 60 days. Trump has threatened to impose U.S. tolls in the strait if a final deal is not reached within 60 days. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tehran will focus on the fighting in Lebanon, insisting the deal must start with a complete cessation of hostilities, including between Israel and Hezbollah. He said the U.S. “has been unable or unwilling” to hold Israel to the ceasefire. The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, is also in Switzerland for the talks. He met with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on the sidelines. Iran’s president said the country will maintain its right to enrich uranium. “What is certain is that we will never back down,” Masoud Pezeshkian said. A temporary lull in Israeli strikes was reported in southern Lebanon on Sunday, after heavy fighting since the deal was signed on Thursday. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported over 50 killed in Israeli strikes since then. Five Israeli soldiers were also killed. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief are also in Switzerland for the talks. Pakistan helped persuade Iran to send a delegation after the meeting was delayed due to Iranian concerns. The U.S. disputed Iran’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, saying 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. The U.S. has lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports, allowing Tehran to sell its oil freely. The interim deal gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, with the possibility of extension.