US-Iran talks in Switzerland show progress on Nuclear, says JD Vance

The US vice president says talks had moved forward in several key areas, including agreement in principle for international nuclear inspectors to return to Iran

BÜRGENSTOCK: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 22^nd, 2026) High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Switzerland after nearly 18 hours of discussions, with mediators reporting “encouraging progress” on a preliminary framework covering nuclear monitoring, sanctions relief mechanisms, and regional de-escalation measures.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that the talks had moved forward in several key areas, including agreement in principle for international nuclear inspectors to return to Iran, as well as discussions on managing frozen Iranian assets and maintaining ceasefire arrangements linked to wider regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters after the marathon sessions held in Bürgenstock, Vance said both sides had also discussed a proposed mechanism aimed at ensuring stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route. He added that technical-level discussions were expected to continue over the coming days and weeks, with inspection-related coordination potentially beginning within days.

According to Vance, the Iranian delegation briefly raised the possibility of withdrawing from talks amid heightened rhetoric, but negotiations ultimately continued into the early hours of Monday. He said technical teams from both sides remained engaged at the venue despite tensions.

The US vice president also stated that discussions included frameworks for handling Iran’s frozen funds, suggesting any future unfreezing would be tied to structured oversight to ensure the money is used for civilian purposes rather than regional armed activity. He indicated that third-party coordination involving regional partners was being considered to monitor financial flows.

Meanwhile, mediators including Pakistan and Qatar said the talks had produced agreement on a 60-day roadmap toward a more comprehensive settlement. The plan reportedly includes the formation of a high-level oversight committee and the continuation of technical working groups to refine implementation details.

In a separate statement, Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the developments, describing the Switzerland meeting as constructive and noting that all sides had agreed to pursue further negotiations under a structured diplomatic framework. He praised the role of mediators and thanked partner countries for facilitating dialogue.

Iranian officials, however, offered a more cautious interpretation. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that while some preliminary discussions had taken place, formal negotiations on the nuclear issue had not fully begun.

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He confirmed that brief exchanges were held regarding key positions, but insisted that detailed bargaining was still ahead.

Baghaei added that participants had agreed in principle to establish a coordination mechanism aimed at reducing tensions and managing incidents, particularly in relation to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and ceasefire stability in other regional hotspots. He also suggested that some progress had been made on the issue of Iranian oil exports and restricted financial assets.

Iran’s delegation departed Switzerland following the conclusion of the talks, with state media reporting that the team returned to Tehran after what it described as intensive consultations lasting nearly a full day.

International reactions followed quickly. China urged both Washington and Tehran to maintain momentum and continue working toward a negotiated settlement, stressing the importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts and regional stability. Beijing also expressed support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar.

The developments come amid heightened regional sensitivities, particularly regarding maritime security and ongoing tensions involving Lebanon. Some proposals discussed in Switzerland reportedly included mechanisms to prevent escalation between regional actors and to safeguard commercial shipping routes.

Oil markets reacted to the shifting diplomatic signals, with prices fluctuating as concerns over supply disruptions eased following indications of progress. Analysts noted that any sustained agreement on the Strait of Hormuz would have significant implications for global energy flows.

Separately, discussions also touched on Lebanon-related security concerns, including mechanisms to reduce hostilities between Israel and Iran-aligned groups. Mediators said the framework envisions technical coordination channels to prevent escalation and support ceasefire arrangements.

Despite the diplomatic progress claimed by mediators, divisions remain evident. Iranian representatives emphasized that several conditions must still be met before substantive nuclear negotiations can advance, while US officials described the talks as constructive but incomplete.

Technical teams from both sides are expected to continue working under the emerging framework in the coming days, with further rounds of dialogue likely as part of the proposed 60-day roadmap toward a broader agreement.