US and Iran conclude first round of negotiations in Switzerland
Diplomatic delegations from the United States and Iran concluded their first round of negotiations in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on June 22, 2026. The talks, facilitated by mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, centered on a 60-day roadmap toward a final settlement, with a focus on the war in Lebanon, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the Iranian nuclear program. The U.S. delegation was led by Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while the Iranian side was headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. While progress was reported on technical issues, including a mechanism for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, tensions persisted regarding the implementation of previously signed agreements. Iranian officials demanded the lifting of sanctions on oil and petrochemical exports, while U.S. officials expressed cautious optimism despite reports of friction during the summit. Technical teams are expected to continue working throughout the week to define the terms of the memorandum of understanding. The Iranian delegation notably declined a joint photograph with their American counterparts.