Iranian sources said on Sunday that technical-level talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland have been paused rather than concluded.
According to an Iranian news agency, quadrilateral negotiations between Iran and the United States began on Sunday afternoon in Switzerland at the Bürgenstock Hotel. However, simultaneous harsh remarks by the US president regarding Iran and its positions, particularly over the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz since Saturday following Israeli attacks on Lebanon, were said to risk overshadowing the talks once again.
Donald Trump made remarks to the Iranian delegation in Switzerland which were reported to contrast with statements made by his Vice President, JD Vance, shortly before the start of the discussions.
Earlier, it was reported that the talks between the United States and Iran, held with Pakistan’s mediation at the Swiss tourist resort of Buergenstock, have stalled.
The negotiations were reported to have run into an impasse amid rising tensions between the two sides. According to Iranian media, the Iranian delegation strongly protested over 'threatening' statements by the US president.
Iran’s delegation lodges protests, leaves US talks
The Iranian delegation lodged a formal protest with the US side and then left the negotiating table.
A member of the Iranian negotiating team, speaking to Iranian media, said that if the war in Lebanon does not stop, no further talks on other matters will take place.
Iran prepared to respond to US threats: Ghalibaf
Separately, Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected US threats, stating that Tehran is prepared to respond if necessary, according to Al Jazeera. In a post on X, Ghalibaf said the Iranian armed forces are ready and warned that Tehran does not rely on American threats.
He added that if the threats had any effect, the situation would not have reached what he described as a state of desperation.
He stated that Iran’s forces would respond differently if required.
Iran-US talks focus on frozen assets and sanctions relief
According to Al Jazeera, Iranian negotiator Hussein Gurbanzadeh said that in the latest round of talks the issue of frozen assets and arrangements for their release was discussed, according to Al Jazeera.
He added that discussions centred on sanctions relief linked to Iran’s energy sector.
“In Switzerland, a temporary exemption from sanctions on oil and its derivatives was discussed, and the final draft of a proposal on the matter has been completed,” Gurbanzadeh stated.
US-Iran talks in Switzerland conclude first round
The first round of talks between the United States and Iran, aimed at implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), concluded at the Swiss tourist resort of Bürgenstock.
The opening round comprised 45 minutes of discussions between high-level committees from the United States and Iran under Pakistan's mediation.
US broadcaster CNN, citing diplomatic sources, reported that the first round covered Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear stockpiles. Discussions also addressed the framework for a 60-day negotiation period. The two sides exchanged views in a clear and frank manner.
Qatar hopes dialogue process will lead to comprehensive agreement MoU
In a statement, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the launch of the dialogue process would lead to a comprehensive and lasting agreement on all points set out in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The statement added that specialist technical groups had been formed to work towards a final agreement and would discuss all provisions of the memorandum.
Earlier, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said a joint meeting of the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar would take place in the afternoon. The one-day meeting in Bürgenstock will include ceasefire negotiations in Lebanon as a key agenda item.
Vance says US, Iran to work together towards peace
United States Vice President JD Vance said that his country and Iran are set to work together towards a future of peace and prosperity as technical-level talks commenced between the two sides in Switzerland.
He said that both countries now view a future in which cooperation would be possible, aimed at promoting peace and prosperity. He added that President Donald Trump had called for a “turn over a new leaf” in relations with Iran.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Vance also accused Iran of being a driver of regional instability, though he noted that “great” progress had been made over recent hours.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for “visionary and very dynamic leadership” which led to the meeting. He said the discussions were expected to produce “very productive results” in the time ahead.
PM Shehbaz thanks Switzerland for support
PM Shehbaz has thanked Switzerland for its support following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He issued a statement after his meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on the sidelines of the Buergenstock summit.
It was a pleasure to meet H.E. Ignazio Cassis, Vice President and Foreign Minister of Switzerland, on the sidelines of the ongoing technical talks following the Islamabad MoU in Bürgenstock.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 21, 2026
I thanked Switzerland for its support and constructive engagement following the signing… pic.twitter.com/Vq7LB6vpcV
He expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s support and constructive engagement following the agreement. Writing on X, he stated that both sides agreed that effective implementation of the MoU would contribute to regional peace, stability, and global economic prosperity.
He said Pakistan remains committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. He also invited Vice President Ignazio Cassis to visit Pakistan to further reinforce longstanding ties between the two countries.
Document will promote global peace: PM Shehbaz
PM Shehbaz said that upon returning home there would be a document which would promote peace, development and prosperity across the world.
Speaking to the media at the Lucerne Summit, he said the day would serve as a contribution towards peace and prosperity for the world at large.
He stated that meaningful dialogue on global peace would lead to positive and result-oriented outcomes in the future.
He added that the impact of such discussions would not be confined to the region alone, but would also be felt at a global level.
The prime minister reiterated that when the delegation returns home, it would carry a document aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity worldwide.
Pakistan-US ties for closer co-operation ahead: PM Shehbaz
Subsequently, PM Shehbaz spoke to the press at Buergenstock on the sidelines of the Lake Lucerne Summit between the United States and Iran.
The premier said that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had handled the crisis with dignity and a clear intent to de-escalate tensions.
He said the Iranian leadership appeared genuinely committed to promoting peace in the region, and added that United States President Donald Trump also held similar intentions, describing him as a man of peace.
The prime minister recalled that President Trump’s leadership during the conflict between Pakistan and India had helped prevent escalation at a critical moment near a nuclear flashpoint.
Responding to remarks by US Vice President JD Vance regarding affection for Pakistan, he termed renewed ties between Pakistan and the United States as a positive development, expressing gratitude for support in economic cooperation and counter-terrorism.
PM Shehbaz said that the emerging relationship between the two countries would lead to closer coordination and cooperation in the period ahead.
Qatar praises US-Iran talks
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also commended both the United States and Iranian delegations for their engagement in peace efforts. He termed the talks as historic in significance for regional security, global stability, and the world economy, adding that Qatar would remain committed to supporting mediation efforts until a resolution is reached.
The negotiations between the United States and Iran began at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland on Sunday under a memorandum of understanding. The process is being mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, according to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement noted that specialised technical and expert groups have been formed to examine all provisions of the proposed agreement, while follow-up committees have been tasked with monitoring progress towards implementation.
Qatar’s Adviser to the Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, said Pakistan and other parties would continue efforts to maintain a constructive environment for dialogue. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role as a mediator and the commitment of both the United States and Iran to diplomatic engagement.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said a joint meeting involving the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar was scheduled alongside wider discussions, including issues related to ceasefire efforts in Lebanon.
Qatar reiterated that it supports a comprehensive agreement aimed at lasting peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
Trump urges Iran to halt proxy activity in Lebanon
US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran must halt the use of proxy groups in Lebanon from causing “trouble”.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he stated that Tehran “must immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble”.
He added that if this does not take place, the United States would “hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder”.
He wrote: “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!!!”
US could take 20% of oil passing through strait: POTUS
United States President Donald Trump has said the United States may take control of the Strait of Hormuz in future “if they have to and collect tolls”.
According to Fox News, Trump termed Washington as a “guardian angel” of the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East. He suggested that the United States could be involved in taking around 20 per cent of the oil passing through the strategic waterway.
