OBBÜRGEN, Switzerland — U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed Switzerland on Monday after taking part in the first round of negotiations with Iranian officials aimed at advancing discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program and other issues covered by an interim agreement, according to officials familiar with the talks. The meetings were held in Bürgenstock, near Lucerne, as part of a diplomatic effort involving U.S. and Iranian representatives.
Vance said the discussions had produced progress but did not announce a final agreement. Speaking before leaving Switzerland, he described the talks as “a very productive 36 hours” and said negotiators had worked on issues including regional stability, maritime security and nuclear oversight.
The negotiations followed a memorandum of understanding reached earlier between the United States and Iran that created a framework for further talks. U.S. officials said the meetings were intended to address technical details and implementation steps, while Iranian officials have emphasized that additional discussions are needed before any broader commitments are finalized.
The talks were held with participation from mediators including Qatar and Pakistan, officials said. The discussions focused on areas linked to Iran’s nuclear activities and regional security concerns, though details of the full agenda and any specific agreements reached during the meetings remain unclear.
The negotiations took place amid continuing tensions in the region. Officials said issues involving the Strait of Hormuz and security developments in the Middle East were part of the broader diplomatic context surrounding the talks. The United States has said it wants restrictions and oversight related to Iran’s nuclear program, while Iranian officials have said their national interests must be considered in any agreement.
Iranian officials disputed some statements made by U.S. officials about the outcome of the talks, including claims regarding nuclear inspection arrangements. Tehran said some issues had not been agreed upon and that further negotiations would be required.
The White House said the discussions represented an initial stage of a longer process. Officials did not provide a timeline for a final agreement, and both sides are expected to continue negotiations through diplomatic channels.
As Vance left Switzerland, officials said the next steps would involve continued technical discussions between the two sides. No final settlement was announced following the first round of meetings.
