Iran-US War Negotiations Begin in Switzerland Amid Lingering Tensions

Negotiations between Iran and the United States commenced Sunday in Switzerland, with the stated goal of ending the ongoing war. The Iranian delegation, including chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abás Araqchi, and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, arrived in Switzerland, according to the Swiss Foreign Ministry.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to join envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner for the discussions. A memorandum of understanding signed Wednesday outlines a 60-day timeframe for reaching a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against its economy. Preparatory talks reportedly began Saturday.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, tensions persist. Iran's foreign ministry announced "technical" negotiations Sunday, with Qatar and Pakistan present as mediators. However, Iranian diplomacy spokesman Esmail Baqai warned Saturday that a protocol was "in danger" if its clauses were not rapidly implemented, referencing the conflict in Lebanon. Tehran also announced a new closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which it deemed a violation of its agreement with the U.S.

President Trump added to the pressure, threatening to impose a toll on Hormuz if an agreement was not reached. He stated on his Truth Social platform that there would be no toll during the 60-day ceasefire or after its expiration unless imposed by the U.S. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil and gas transport, was previously blocked for extended periods during the war, impacting global energy markets. Iran had agreed to reopen it as part of the U.S. memorandum, and maritime traffic had been gradually resuming.

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No habrá peaje en el Estrecho de Ormuz durante el alto el fuego de 60 días, ni lo habrá después de que expire dicho período, a menos que lo imponga Estados Unidos, si no se llega a un acuerdo