U.S. and Iranian negotiators held marathon talks in Switzerland into Sunday night, working to launch a 60-day effort toward a new nuclear agreement. The nearly nonstop discussions at the Lake Lucerne Summit signal both sides remain engaged despite significant differences.
Vice President JD Vance is spearheading the U.S. team, joined by White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks continued even as Iran claimed on Saturday it was shutting down the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon.
A U.S. diplomat revealed the discussions covered “all elements of the nuclear deal,” as well as the Strait of Hormuz and recent Iranian statements about potentially closing it. “We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,” the diplomat said.
The talks also addressed “deconfliction mechanisms in Lebanon and enforcing the ceasefire” amid ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli troops. This dual focus suggests both sides may be laying groundwork for broader regional security talks beyond the nuclear issue.
Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure claim remains unverified, and major differences likely persist on uranium enrichment and sanctions relief. The 60-day timeline faces skepticism given past failures to reach similar agreements.