Iranian delegation exits negotiating site following Trump warning

Iran's delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex in Switzerland on June 21, 2026, for a quadrilateral meeting with the United States, Pakistan, and Qatar to advance a deal to end the Middle East conflict.

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A new round of negotiations over the Middle East war commenced on June 21, 2026, with Iranian negotiators arriving in the Swiss host city ahead of US Vice President JD Vance, amidst Tehran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz again due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

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Iran's delegation walked out of the Swiss venue where it held talks with the United States on Sunday, after Donald Trump threatened to strike the Islamic republic over its support for Hezbollah, in an effort to permanently end the Middle East war.

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The negotiations aim to trigger a 60-day period to settle broader issues that have plagued US-Iranian relations for decades, but disagreements over key sticking points and the threat of renewed fighting in Lebanon have weighed on the talks, with Washington and Tehran exchanging threats in parallel with the negotiations.

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Iran's state news agency IRNA stated that the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran left the building where the negotiations were being held after meeting with the Qatari delegation, one of the mediating parties, and that Donald Trump published a message on X, repeating his threats and remarks against Iran.

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A diplomat with knowledge of the talks, however, claimed that the Iranians had not quit the negotiations, saying that the Iranian delegation remains engaged in the talks and has not indicated to the mediators any intention to leave.

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Donald Trump had earlier threatened to strike Iran if it did not immediately stop its "highly paid PROXIES" in Lebanon from causing trouble, prompting Iran to hit back with a warning of its own.

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Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the US would do better to be careful with their statements, as Iran's armed forces are ready to respond in a different manner, and that Iran is the one that acts, regardless of what others say.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that troops would remain in south Lebanon "as long as necessary" and vowed that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

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Iran's state broadcaster reported that the nuclear programme had not been discussed during the 80-minute first round of talks on Sunday, and that the focus had been on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, and the situation in Lebanon.

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US Vice President JD Vance hailed the meeting as "historic" and questioned how much more could be accomplished together, and whether the parties could turn over a new leaf and change relations in the Middle East permanently.

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Vance, flanked by US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, noted that the alternative to cooperation is doing things the old way, which is not the preferred option, but is still possible.

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The talks to end the months-long conflict are taking place amidst Iran's decision to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

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Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on X that it is not possible to enter the negotiation phase for a final agreement unless there is an end to the war in Lebanon.

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The memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran included a provision to end fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, but repeated clashes have prompted Iran to shutter the crucial oil and gas trade route again.

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By Sunday evening, however, there had been no reports of Israeli strikes or continued fighting, with some residents of southern Lebanon cautiously returning to their homes.

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Lebanon aside, there has been no indication that Iran's support for armed groups across the region will be addressed in the negotiations, which has long drawn the ire of the US and Israel.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran would not relinquish its right to enrich uranium, though he repeated Iran's denial that it wants nuclear weapons, and said that they can state in writing that they have no intention of building a bomb.

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The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, sparked by the Tehran-backed militant group attacking Israel in support of Iran, has repeatedly threatened to derail peace efforts, with the overall death toll surpassing 4,100, according to the health ministry.

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On Friday, planned US-Iranian talks were postponed after Israel launched deadly strikes in Lebanon following the deaths of four of its soldiers in combat there, and Israel's military chief visited troops in south Lebanon on Sunday.

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Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said that Hezbollah is in a "very difficult position" and that Israel is committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding, after suffering a severe and significant blow.