U.S. and Iran Hold Talks in Switzerland on Nuclear and Regional Issues

U.S. and Iranian delegations began talks in Switzerland on Sunday aimed at reducing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and fighting in Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the U.S. side with envoy Steve Witkoff, said Washington had made progress in recent hours and expected more in the coming hours.

He said the goal is to turn over a new leaf in relations if Iran permanently ends its nuclear ambitions.

Foreign Ministry confirmed the meetings are taking place at the Buergenstock Resort near Lake Lucerne. The Iranian delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also present.

Qatar said the talks seek a comprehensive agreement based on a prior memorandum of understanding. Iran has said it wants any final deal to include a Lebanon-Israel settlement.

Trump posted on Truth Social that closing the Strait of Hormuz would leave Iran without a country. He said he told Iranian officials the United States may take control of the waterway if necessary. Trump also said he retains a 60-day option for further action if talks fail and warned of additional strikes if Iranian proxies resume attacks in Lebanon.

Casualties have continued in Lebanon, with dozens of civilians and at least six Israeli soldiers reported killed in recent days.