Lucerne, June 21: U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced on Sunday that significant progress has been made in ongoing negotiations with Iran at a resort by Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. He expressed confidence that further advancements could be achieved in the coming hours. The discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues.
Delegations from the U.S. and Iran began closed-door talks at the Bergenstock Resort at 3:09 PM local time. Representatives from Qatar and Pakistan also participated as mediators.
Before the talks commenced, Vance shared an optimistic statement with reporters. He said, “We have made considerable progress in the last few hours, and I hope we can move further in the coming hours.”
Vance also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where renewed fighting poses a risk to major diplomatic efforts. When asked if he had a message for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding military actions in Lebanon, Vance reiterated that there has been “considerable progress” in recent discussions.
He stated, “Of course, there may be differences in approaches to reach this goal, but I feel positive about the situation in Lebanon. There is still work to be done, but we will continue to strive.”
In response to questions about allegations of genocide in Lebanon, Vance defended the U.S. role in efforts to end the conflict. He remarked, “I believe that the U.S. President and the United States have done more than any other government in the world in the past few months to stop the conflict in Lebanon, and we will continue to work in that direction. As many of you know, achieving peace is never easy.”
Journalists were sent outside before the Iranian delegation officially arrived for the meeting. Later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf were seen heading towards the meeting room.
The backdrop at the venue prominently displayed “Lake Lucerne Summit.” The primary focus of these discussions is expected to remain on Iran’s nuclear issues, along with topics related to regional security, including efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Lebanon.
The outcome of this meeting is being closely watched by countries across the Middle East and beyond, as all parties strive to prevent a major conflict in the region.
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