The Iranian delegation left tonight from the venue where the talks were held with the US, after a post by US President Donald Trump that was considered “insulting”, the Iranian news agency Irna reported. An Iranian source, however, told Reuters that the talks were “suspended but not over”.
“The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran left the building where the negotiations were being held,” Irna reported, adding that the talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, “had entered a difficult phase, after 80 minutes of discussion and an interruption, following the publication of an offensive message by the US president.”
Trump has threatened to resume strikes on Iran if the country does not stop Hezbollah from “causing trouble” in Lebanon.
Chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded via X by “advising” the US to “measure its words” and warning that “our armed forces are ready to respond.”
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding signed last Wednesday by the presidents of the US and Iran, the two countries should “avoid threats of violence against each other.”
These warnings from both sides came after talks had begun between the Americans and the Iranians at a luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Based on the signed protocol, the talks should lead, within 60 days, to a final agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
The hostilities have disrupted the global economy and claimed thousands of lives, mainly in Iran and Lebanon.
US Vice President JD Vance, who is in Switzerland, described the negotiations as “historic” and expressed hope that they would allow us to “turn the page and transform our relationship with the Iranian people.”
But their differences are many and mainly concern the Iranian nuclear program that has been poisoning bilateral relations for decades.
Iranians didn’t want a ‘family photo’
According to state TV Irib, the Iranian delegation refused to pose for a joint photo with the Americans.
Those talks began in the shadow of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which continued until Saturday, although a term of the memorandum of understanding called for an end to hostilities on all fronts. In retaliation, Iran announced yesterday that it is closing the Straits of Hormuz again.
At least 30 people were killed Saturday in strikes by the Israeli army, which has seized a zone in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that his country will remain in this “security zone” along the border “as long as necessary to protect our people.”
However, the Israeli military announced soon after that all bans on gatherings in northern Israel were being lifted, starting tomorrow, Monday. The bans were in place because of the war with Hezbollah.
“After assessing the situation, it was decided to update the instructions,” the army said, as fighting in southern Lebanon has died down.
“From 06:00 (local time and Cyprus time) on Monday 22 June 2026, all restrictions will be lifted in the area of the confrontation line,” the statement said.
Vance had earlier appeared optimistic, noting that “remarkable progress” had been made in recent days to end the war in Lebanon.
This war has killed 4,106 people in Lebanon since the beginning of March, according to Beirut, while the Israeli army counts 36 dead soldiers.
Source: RES-MPE