Iranian delegation walks out of Switzerland talks over Trump remarks

An Iranian source told the Tasnim news agency: “If Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon, the negotiations will be halted.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iranian negotiators walked out of talks in Switzerland on Sunday after objecting to remarks by President Donald Trump during the opening of a summit focused on Lebanon ceasefire implementation and frozen Iranian assets, while officials later signaled discussions could resume following consultations.

The negotiations in Geneva brought together U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The participants were discussing implementation of a comprehensive Lebanon ceasefire and issues related to Iranian assets held abroad.

As the summit opened, President Trump told Fox News: “I hold all the cards and have several options if the Iranians do not seriously commit during the negotiations.” He added that he had spoken with Iranian officials and warned that “if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz – they will not have a country.”

Reuters reported that the Iranian delegation submitted a reservation to mediators following the comments and said it was “considering its options.”

Iranian sources later said it was unclear whether the delegation would return to the negotiating hall, arguing that President Trump’s remarks constituted a violation of Article 1 of the memorandum of understanding.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded: “We do not take American threats seriously. They should be more careful with their statements. Our armed forces are prepared to respond differently. The more they talk, the more we act.”

Iranian officials subsequently said the talks had been suspended because of President Trump’s remarks.

After the delegation left the venue, Reuters cited Iranian sources as saying a draft agreement had been reached on removing sanctions on Iranian oil.

Reuters also reported, citing a member of Iran’s negotiating team, that “operational procedures” had been carried out regarding the release of frozen Iranian funds with the participation of Qatari representatives.

Iranian media reported that the delegation declined to take part in a group photograph with the U.S. delegation and refused to shake hands with American representatives.

Iranian outlets later announced that the first round of talks had concluded at 6 p.m. Israel time, while Arab media reports said negotiations were expected to resume after a brief consultation period.

An Iranian source later told the Tasnim news agency: “If Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon – the negotiations will be halted.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier Sunday that “we will remain in the security zone as long as necessary.”