Burgenstock: Iran’s negotiating team has accused US President Donald Trump of violating a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington during ongoing talks in Switzerland. The accusation follows remarks made by Trump, which Iran claims are ‘threats’ that undermine the established agreement.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Iranian delegation has deemed Trump’s comments as a ‘blatant violation’ of Article 1 of the memorandum, which explicitly requires the US to desist from making any threats. In response to Trump’s statements, the Iranian delegation reportedly exited the talks.
Trump’s remarks included urging Iran to halt the actions of its proxies in Lebanon, threatening severe repercussions if Iran fails to comply. His statements, made on his Truth Social platform, warned of potential military action should Iran obstruct the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump further escalated tensions by claiming that the US might assume control over the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting the imposition of tolls if a deal is not reached. He also directed aggressive comments towards Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The first round of the four-party talks, involving Iran and the US with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that no details have been provided on the scheduling of subsequent sessions.
Qatar had earlier announced the commencement of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, with the aim of implementing terms of an interim agreement to resolve the Middle East conflict and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions in Burgenstock are led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, facilitated by Pakistani mediation.
While some reports suggested the Iranian delegation had left the negotiations, Axios indicated that discussions are still ongoing, with the US seeking an Iranian invitation for UN inspectors to visit nuclear sites previously targeted by US and Israeli military actions.