US-Iran Talks Interrupted; Vance Says Trump Ready for New Chapter if Iran Changes Course

Negotiations between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and addressing Iran's nuclear program, experienced an interruption for internal consultations after 80 minutes. The first phase of talks concluded Sunday afternoon, with bilateral discussions between Iranian and Qatari representatives continuing.

Sources indicate the discussions centered on the conflict in Lebanon, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's uranium stockpiles. The structure of a 60-day negotiation period, established by a preliminary agreement last week, was also reportedly on the agenda. Initial reports described the opening of the talks as characterized by "open dialogue" and "a high degree of sincerity."

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President (Donald Trump) asked us to start a new chapter in our relations with the Iranian nation and to extend a hand to the Iranians to tell them that if their leaders are ready to move away from the role of regional destabilizers and give up their ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, then the United States is ready to fundamentally transform its relations with their country.

Prior to the meetings, Iran's Presidential Office representative, Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaie, stated that a peace agreement could not be implemented until the war in Lebanon ends. The Iranian delegation also intended to raise alleged violations of the preliminary agreement by Washington. The Iranian negotiation team had anticipated the talks would conclude by evening.

Representing the U.S. delegation were Vice President J.D. Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Vance delivered remarks, emphasizing President Donald Trump's readiness to "start a new chapter" in U.S.-Iran relations. He stated that if Iranian leaders abandon their role as regional destabilizers and nuclear ambitions, the U.S. is prepared for a fundamental transformation of their relationship. Vance noted significant progress had already been made.

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We have already made significant progress in the last few hours and I expect we will achieve more in the coming hours.