Opening of US-Iran talks: Tehran highlights Lebanese conflict and economic issues as top priorities.
On June 21, the first formal round of negotiations between the US and Iran following the preliminary agreement officially commenced in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. However, this landmark diplomatic process is facing a major challenge as the conflict in Lebanon has escalated, leading to threats from Tehran to re-blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the latest information from the Swiss Foreign Ministry, as of June 21st (local time), delegations from all sides have arrived at the Bürgenstock mountain resort to prepare for negotiations.
US Vice President JD Vance arrived at the meeting point early to begin his first day of work.
The Iranian side, led by chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also secured their positions.
Notably, the Pakistani mediating delegation included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Commander Asim Munir, working in coordination with Qatari mediators, highlighting the particular importance of this round of dialogue.
The round of talks is expected to open a two-month negotiation period to shape a final agreement, focusing on two core issues: Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of stringent economic sanctions against the Islamic nation.
On the ground, the preliminary ceasefire agreement reached in early June is at serious risk of collapse due to the intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, which shows no signs of abating.
Iran's Central Military Command accused the US of "violating the agreement" and criticized Tel Aviv's repeated breaches of the ceasefire. In response, Tehran announced it would continue to close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping – a move that could significantly impact global energy markets. While the US Central Command (CENTCOM) maintains that this international shipping lane remains safe, the threat from Iran is putting considerable pressure on the agenda in Switzerland.
In Lebanon, state media reported new Israeli airstrikes on around 20 locations, killing more than 30 people and bringing the total death toll from the conflict there to over 4,000.
Prior to the opening, Iranian officials were extremely cautious and skeptical about Washington's genuine goodwill. Mohsen Rezaei, military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, frankly warned on social media: "We must be extremely vigilant; any excessive optimism will be exploited by the enemy."
In a similar vein, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also emphasized that their delegation would resolutely demand that the other side fully implement the signed commitments, "otherwise, the entire preliminary agreement will be jeopardized."
Differences in agenda priorities between Washington and Tehran:
Speaking via a video posted by the state news agency IRNA, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized: "The Israeli authorities are constantly violating their commitments in Lebanon, therefore, this will be the main topic of discussion in today's talks (June 21)."
Mr. Baqaei also stated: "The issue of granting access to frozen or restricted Iranian assets, as well as discussions on granting necessary licenses for the sale of Iranian oil, will also be on the agenda."
Meanwhile, the US priority leaned towards the nuclear issue. Before departing, Vice President JD Vance affirmed his hope of achieving progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanese ceasefire.
