US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for the first round of US-Iran negotiations, marking a new push to revive stalled diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear programme and frozen financial assets. The discussions, expected on Sunday at the Burgenstock resort, come after an initial delay in last week’s peace efforts.
Will US and Iran make progress on nuclear deal?
The talks are being held under a 60-day negotiation window agreed in an interim peace deal between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The main focus is Iran’s nuclear programme, with Washington reportedly seeking a major step forward in inspections.
According to Axios, the US wants Iran to invite UN nuclear inspectors back to its facilities, including sites that were previously targeted in strikes by the US and Israel. In return, Washington may consider easing restrictions linked to Iran’s frozen assets.
What is the role of frozen Iranian funds?
One of the key proposals under discussion is the release of part of Iran’s frozen money abroad. The US is reportedly considering freeing around $6 billion from an account held in Qatar, with the condition that it be used for humanitarian purchases. This move is seen as an early confidence-building step in the talks.
Can Israel disrupt the negotiations?
Concerns remain over possible disruption from Israel, especially as tensions continue in the region. A US intelligence assessment has warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may try to influence or disrupt the negotiations due to domestic political pressure linked to the situation in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high despite the interim agreement. Iran had previously threatened restrictions in response to regional strikes and accused Washington of failing to fully implement peace commitments.
Who else is involved in the talks?
Along with JD Vance, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also in Switzerland as mediators. The Iranian delegation includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.
First published on: Jun 21, 2026 01:14 PM IST
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