U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland appeared to plunge into crisis on Sunday after Iran’s delegation left the venue following a sharp escalation in President Donald Trump’s rhetoric. Reports were conflicting: some said the day’s talks were paused but not canceled, while Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen, which is close to Hezbollah, reported that Iran would not return unless Trump apologized and Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon.
The dispute followed Trump’s comments in a Fox News interview and on his social network. He said he was “holding all the cards” against Iran and warned that if the discussions did not advance, “I have a 60-day option and then I will do what I want.” He also said the United States could act as “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and collect about 20% of oil flows, and added, “If we need to, we can take over the strait.” He further threatened, “If they don’t make a deal, I’ll blow them to pieces. We will charge passage fees.”
Iranian media then reported the delegation had left the Swiss talks site. Tasnim said the delegation departed, while Iran’s state broadcaster said it was still unclear whether direct talks with the United States would continue or stop. Iranian negotiating chief Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X that if the threats had worked, “they would not have reached this point of despair.” He said Iran does not rely on U.S. threats, warned Washington to be careful with its statements, and said Iran’s armed forces were ready to respond, adding, “For everything they say, we will be the ones to act.”
Despite the early reports, Tehran had not closed the door on further negotiations. With mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, efforts were underway to prevent a full collapse of the process. An Iranian source told Reuters that the Swiss talks between the United States and Iran had paused, but had not ended.
