High-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland ended their first day, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators. Discussions covered Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear program, and sanctions relief. Although the atmosphere remained distrustful, mediators described the talks as constructive.
On 22 June 2026 GMT+7, the high-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, concluded their first day. Both sides exchanged views on key issues including the situation in Lebanon, reopening shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear program, and sanctions relief.
However, before talks began, US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran if it continued supporting Hezbollah. In response, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the US should be cautious in its choice of words.
Sources from the Iranian delegation revealed that the first day’s discussions included unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad, temporary easing of oil sanctions, and approaches to resolving the nuclear dispute, marking some progress.
The US delegation stated that their main goal was to advance progress on Iran’s nuclear program. The talks began tensely, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding a private meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister and indicating he would not enter the meeting room while media remained present, before the Iranian delegation officially joined.
During the talks, external developments occurred as Israel’s Defense Minister announced that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon as long as deemed necessary. Meanwhile, Hezbollah affirmed it would retaliate if the ceasefire agreement was breached.
Despite ongoing mutual distrust, mediators from Pakistan and Qatar assessed the first day’s talks as constructive because they succeeded in bringing representatives from both countries together amid efforts by various parties to derail the negotiations.
Both sides are scheduled to continue discussions on technical details and the memorandum of understanding to pave the way toward a permanent agreement in the next phase.