U.S.-Iran talks open in Switzerland as Israel warns of strategic surrender

The first round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is set to begin Friday in Switzerland, with the goal of turning a digitally signed memorandum of understanding into practice. The talks are expected to focus on technical issues, especially uranium dilution and the oversight mechanisms for Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Israeli security officials reacted sharply. A senior IDF officer said that recognizing Iran’s right to enrich uranium on its own soil and build ballistic missiles is “a strategic mistake and a historic surrender.”

U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested he may travel to Switzerland later in the weekend to personally lead the contacts. In an interview with The New York Times, he responded to criticism in Israel by saying, “Israel is a country of nine million people. You cannot ‘kill your way out’ of every security problem you face.” He added that Washington is pursuing American national interests and that differences with Jerusalem are sometimes inevitable.

Later, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth: “The oil is flowing, and Iran will never get a nuclear weapon. You are welcome!” Vance then said at the White House that Iran would receive compensation payments only if it fully changes its behavior and ensures it has no missiles “threatening the world.” He said Iranian pragmatists now dominate the country’s tone, argued that Iran would need major financial resources to rebuild its destroyed nuclear program, and said there is a clear expectation that both Israel and Hezbollah honor the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Vance also attacked ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for criticizing the deal, while implying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understands the agreement’s details and has not publicly objected. He said Trump is acting pragmatically to test a real opportunity for change in the Middle East, noted that Iranian fire on ships in the Strait of Hormuz has stopped for the first time in 100 days, and added: “If this doesn’t work, we can always change course, but right now we have the power and the ability to set the terms.”