US-Iran talks back on track as mediators secure 60-day negotiation framework

Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland have produced a breakthrough, with both sides agreeing to a 60-day roadmap for continued negotiations on sanctions, nuclear issues and the implementation of a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

The agreement came despite a turbulent start to the summit at a resort overlooking Lake Lucerne, where the Iranian delegation briefly walked out after objecting to remarks made by US President Donald Trump.

Mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan later helped bring the two sides back to the negotiating table, allowing discussions to continue into the night.

Walkout threatens talks

The first round of negotiations ran into trouble less than two hours after they began when the Iranian delegation temporarily left the meeting.

Iranian negotiators objected to a social media post by Trump, who warned of military action against Iran if Tehran did not immediately rein in allied groups in Lebanon. Iranian officials viewed the remarks as inconsistent with the spirit of the talks and raised concerns over what they described as threats directed at the negotiating team.

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Speaking to Iranian state media, chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would not be intimidated by public statements and warned that Tehran was prepared to respond if necessary.

The walkout briefly raised concerns about the future of the talks, which are among the most significant direct engagements between Washington and Tehran in recent years.

Mediators step in

Despite the disruption, Qatari and Pakistani mediators worked behind the scenes to restore dialogue between the two sides.

US Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation alongside Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, downplayed the incident, saying difficult negotiations often involve moments of tension.

By early Monday, officials confirmed that discussions had resumed and would continue through the night as negotiators worked to bridge differences on several key issues.

Focus on Hormuz, sanctions and security

A major objective of the talks is to secure the reopening and long-term stability of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

Negotiators are also discussing sanctions relief for Iran, including potential measures related to oil exports and access to frozen assets held abroad. Other issues on the table include maintaining a ceasefire in southern Lebanon and addressing broader regional security concerns.

Iran has maintained that formal discussions on its civilian nuclear programme and any expansion of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can only move forward once disputes over sanctions and oil exports are resolved.

The newly agreed 60-day roadmap is expected to guide technical negotiations in the coming weeks as both sides seek to translate the political understanding reached in Switzerland into a broader agreement.