US and Iranian negotiators leave for Switzerland for talks

US Vice President JD Vance has left Washington for talks with Iran in Switzerland.

“I may only be there for a day or two,” Vance told reporters before departing Joint Base Andrews on Saturday.

“I think we’ll hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue…make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. I think those are the two big things we should be focusing on,” he said.

Vance’s trip was delayed from Friday after Tehran initially canceled its participation in talks over Israel’s continued attacks against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Israel confirmed it was shelling Lebanon on Saturday, but accused Hezbollah of breaking the latest ceasefire and later ordered a halt to fighting in southern Lebanon.

On Saturday, Tehran also said it was closing the Strait of Hormuz due to continued Israeli attacks, although the US disputed this, saying Iran did not control the vital shipping channel and traffic continued in the strait.

Sunday’s talks, brokered by Pakistan, are aimed at implementing a framework agreement to end the Iran conflict.

Iran’s delegation is led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Iran’s Joint Military Command said on Saturday it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the US’s “bad faith” and “clear violation of its commitments” by failing to end the fighting in Lebanon.

The deal the US President struck with the Iranian leadership has sparked a sharp reaction from within his Republican Party as key members have raised concerns about sanctions relief and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund.

The US and Iran delegations will be in the Swiss mountain resort of Bergenstock.

US Vice President JD Vance left on Saturday to join other members of his delegation, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

The Iranian delegation was already in Switzerland.

On Saturday, Tehran said it was closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

We’ll be bringing you the latest updates, videos and expert analysis on the conflict in the Middle East throughout the day.