The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran has commenced in Switzerland, following the signing of an initial agreement aimed at ending the war. However, the meetings have reopened under intense pressure, with US President Donald Trump and Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, exchanging sharp and direct warnings.
Trump Threatens Military Action, Iran Responds: “We Take Action”
US President Donald Trump has openly threatened to launch military strikes against Iran if the country fails to restrain the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah, which has been engaged in heavy clashes with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. In a public statement, Trump demanded that Iran immediately stop its highly paid proxies from causing trouble, warning that the US would otherwise “hit Iran very hard again.”
In response, Iranian negotiator Ghalibaf dismissed the threats, declaring that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared for a military confrontation.
“Don’t they think that if their threats had any effect, they wouldn’t be in this desperate situation today? No matter how much they talk, it is we who take action,” Ghalibaf stated.
Escalation in Lebanon and the Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
The initial agreement signed earlier this week includes a commitment to reach a final deal within 60 days, halting hostilities on all fronts—including Lebanon—and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the diplomatic framework, the situation on the ground remains critical:
- Heavy Fighting: Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people in Lebanon, including women and children, according to the health ministry. Concurrently, Hezbollah attacks have left five Israeli soldiers dead.
- Strait of Hormuz: Following the escalation, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas transits. However, maritime tracking data indicates that several cargo ships and tankers have continued to pass through the strait.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that his military will remain in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect northern Israel. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected any Israeli military presence, vowing that the group will defend itself.
Hopes to “Turn Over a New Leaf” in US-Iran Relations
Speaking ahead of the talks at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, US Vice-President and lead negotiator JD Vance stated that Trump has instructed the delegation to “turn over a new leaf.”
According to Vance, if Iran’s leadership is willing to stop driving regional instability and abandon its long-term nuclear weapons ambitions, Washington is prepared to fundamentally transform its relationship with the country. Iran, however, continues to maintain that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
High-level officials from Pakistan and Qatar are also present in Switzerland, serving as key mediators throughout the conflict. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani welcomed the continuation of the dialogue, expressing hope for a sustainable diplomatic resolution.
