US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Hit Turbulence After Trump’s Threats Trigger Iranian Walkout Despite Progress on Sanctions
Delicate negotiations between the United States and Iran in Switzerland suffered a setback over the weekend after the Iranian delegation briefly walked out of the talks, protesting remarks made by US President Donald Trump.
Despite the disruption, both sides indicated that progress had been made on certain key issues, particularly sanctions relief.
What Prompted the Iranian Walkout?
The immediate trigger for the protest was a series of statements by President Trump on social media and in an interview with Fox News.
Trump warned that the United States could launch fresh strikes against Iran if an agreement was not reached.
He also suggested that Washington could take control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and impose tolls on vessels passing through it.
According to Iranian officials, some of the President’s remarks were also directed at Iran’s negotiating team in a manner they considered threatening.
Tehran reacted sharply to the comments, describing them as a threat to the personal safety of its negotiators.
Iranian officials also pointed out that the statements appeared to contradict a non-aggression clause contained in a memorandum that both countries had reportedly signed the previous week.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed the warnings and maintained that Tehran does not make decisions under pressure from Washington.
He said Iran’s actions are guided by its own strategic calculations and not by American threats.
In response to the remarks, the Iranian delegation temporarily withdrew from the face-to-face discussions taking place at Bürgenstock, Switzerland. Diplomats from Qatar and Pakistan subsequently stepped in to facilitate communication between the two sides.
It remains uncertain whether the walkout represented a serious breakdown in negotiations or was intended primarily as a symbolic expression of protest.
Progress on Sanctions Relief
Despite the tense atmosphere, Iranian officials said there had been meaningful movement on the issue of sanctions.
According to Tehran, negotiators reached a draft understanding on US waivers that could pave the way for easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Such relief has long been one of Iran’s key preconditions for engaging in broader nuclear negotiations.
The discussions also reportedly included progress on unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad.
The importance of sanctions relief to Tehran’s negotiating strategy was underscored by Ghalibaf’s decision to attend the talks accompanied by senior officials, including the heads of Iran’s National Oil Company and the Central Bank of Iran.
JD Vance Adopts a More Conciliatory Approach
While President Trump’s remarks escalated tensions, US Vice President JD Vance adopted a noticeably more measured tone.
Leading the American delegation alongside Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Vance said Trump had instructed negotiators to “turn over a new leaf” in relations with Iran.
Vance stated that Washington was prepared to fundamentally reshape its relationship with Tehran if Iran abandoned its nuclear ambitions and ceased activities that the US considers destabilising to the region.
He also downplayed the recent violence in Lebanon, suggesting that such complications are not uncommon during sensitive diplomatic negotiations.
Dispute Over the Strait of Hormuz
Iran also claimed that it had once again shut the Strait of Hormuz, citing continued Israeli military strikes in Lebanon, which Tehran said violated the terms of the recently agreed memorandum.
However, independent maritime tracking data cited by the BBC indicated that commercial shipping continued to move through the strategic waterway without interruption.
The United States also disputed Iran’s assertion. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said dozens of ships had successfully passed through the strait over the weekend and that there had been no disruption to maritime traffic.
Where Do Negotiations Stand Now?
Despite the temporary walkout, diplomatic engagement has continued through a broader quadrilateral framework involving the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar.
Senior leaders, including Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief as well as Qatar’s prime minister, remained present in Switzerland to support the negotiations.
Also attending the talks was Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
However, Iran has indicated that it prefers to postpone discussions on international nuclear inspections until the issue of sanctions relief is addressed.
For now, the original 60-day timeframe for reaching a comprehensive agreement remains intact.
Yet substantial differences persist over developments in Lebanon, the status of the Strait of Hormuz and the broader nuclear dispute, leaving the future of the negotiations uncertain despite cautious signs of progress.
