U.S. Vice President Vance Arrives in Switzerland to Begin Iran Nuclear Talks
Vice President JD Vance landed in Switzerland to launch a 60-day negotiation sprint with Iranian officials on the interim nuclear agreement, amid regional tensions and oil-market concerns.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance touched down at Emmen Air Base near Lucerne on Sunday to help start a two-month negotiation process with Iran aimed at expanding the interim nuclear framework signed last week. The talks, which involve top Iranian negotiators such as parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, are intended to resolve technical details that affect global security and the world economy.
The launch comes after recent escalations in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah prompted Iran’s military to announce a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. U.S. Central Command disputed the claim, saying American forces continue to monitor the waterway and that millions of barrels of oil have passed through in recent days.
Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, will stay in Switzerland for “a day or two,” delegating much of the detailed work to special envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Qatari mediators will also participate, with Sharif scheduled to meet each delegation separately.
“We are committed to dialogue and durable peace in the region,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The interim agreement, reached by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, allows Iran to sell oil freely and access frozen assets, while requiring dilution of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. It also permits commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days without charge, though future fees could be imposed by Iran.
U.S. officials have sought to reassure markets that the regional conflict will not significantly disrupt oil prices. Following the announcement of the deal, oil futures fell nearly 8%, and analysts expect market participants to watch the negotiations closely.
Israel and Hezbollah are not parties to the U.S.–Iran agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon until perceived threats are eliminated, while Hezbollah has continued attacks unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon.
