[95614] Crisis in Bürgenstock Talks: Iran and the US are in a sharp verbal confrontation

Peak tension in the nuclear and security talks in Switzerland

After weeks of anticipation, the Bürgenstock talks in Switzerland opened this morning, the first direct meeting between Iran and the US in 47 years, with the participation of mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. However, the diplomatic atmosphere was quickly disrupted following harsh statements by US President Donald Trump. According to Vahid Online, Trump warned that Iran must stop the activity of its proxies in Lebanon, otherwise it will suffer a "much harder blow" than last week. According to Vahid Online, Trump even threatened that if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, Iran "will no longer exist" and will not be able to return to its country.

In response to the threats, it was reported in Khabarfori and Akharin Khabar that the Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf left the negotiating room in protest against the American president's words. According to Iran International, a source close to the delegation stated that the talks were suspended but did not reach their official end, and that secret contacts are taking place to return the parties to the negotiating table.

Against the backdrop of the discussions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated to Iran International that "all clauses of the memorandum of understanding are in our favor" and that reaching an agreement is an Iranian interest, while emphasizing that Iran does not aspire to a nuclear bomb. Conversely, in Iran International, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright was quoted as saying that the flow of oil in the Strait of Hormuz has returned to normal and that prices will continue to drop.

The issue of southern Lebanon was at the center of the discussions. According to Iran International, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that without an end to the war in all sectors, including Lebanon, the negotiations for a final agreement will not advance. Conversely, according to Khabarfori, officials linked to the Trump administration stated that the US is demanding a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon to calm the spirits, while in Iran International it was reported that Trump expressed frustration with Israel's ability to deal with Hezbollah.