Middle East crisis live: US talks with Iran set to continue despite Iranian walkout

High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran continued in Switzerland, with mediators reporting a roadmap toward a potential deal within 60 days. The initial face-to-face discussions, held at the Buergenstock resort, were tense from the outset. Iranian negotiators walked out in protest after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly telling Iranian officials, "You close it and you won’t have a country. You won’t even make it back to your fucking country."

Despite the walkout, high-level negotiations resumed, facilitated by mediators Qatar and Pakistan. The parties agreed to a mechanism to end the conflict in Lebanon and established a communication line to ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Technical talks were scheduled to continue throughout the week.

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You close it and you won’t have a country. You won’t even make it back to your fucking country.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed on social media that Iran had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets, and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan. The U.S. did not immediately comment on these assertions. Earlier, Iran had announced it stopped maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to ongoing fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Iran stated that Sunday's talks would not cover substantive issues like its nuclear program.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance downplayed the impact of the violence in Lebanon, noting progress had been made toward ending hostilities there. "These things are always a little bit messy," Vance commented. Meanwhile, President Trump threatened to resume attacks on Iran if it did not curb its allies' actions.

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These things are always a little bit messy.