US and Iranian negotiators head to Switzerland for talks

US and Iranian negotiators head to Switzerland for talks June 21, 2026What you need to know - Both the US and Iranian delegations are expected in Switzerland on Sunday for talks - US Vice President JD Vance left on Saturday - Iran's delegation, headed by Speaker of Parliament Bagher Qalibaf, is already there - Talks to take place amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran said it was closing over Israel's attacks in Lebanon - Hezbollah and Israel are blaming one another for breaking the latest ceasefire Read here for the latest developments on the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday, June 21. Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add us as a Preferred Source on Google . Then tap the "Star" or "Preferred" to keep DW News at the top of your feed. US Vice President Vance heads to Switzerland for Iran talks US Vice President JD Vance has left Washington for talks with Iran in Switzerland. "I can only be there for a day or two," Vance told reporters before departing from Joint Base Andrews on Saturday. "I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue ... make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. Those are the two big things that I think we're to be focused on," he said. Vance's trip was delayed from Friday after Tehran initially canceled its participation in the talks over Israel's continued strikes against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Israel confirmed that it was firing at 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 over Israel's continued strikes, although the US disputed this, saying that Iran did not control the vital shipping channel and that traffic in the strait was continuing. Brokered by Pakistan, Sunday's talks aim to implement a framework deal to end the Iran conflict. Iran's delegation is being led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. WATCH: Iran: 'Deep mistrust of President Trump' over Lebanon Iran’s joint military command said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed again, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and US “bad faith” and “its clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end fighting in Lebanon. WATCH: Republicans balk at deal Donald Trump struck with Iran The deal the US president struck with Iranian leadership has triggered a backlash from within his Republican Party as prominent members raise concerns about sanctions relief and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund. Welcome to our coverage Delegations from the US and Iran will be in the Swiss mountain resort Bürgenstock. US Vice President JD Vance set off on Saturday to join the other members of his delegation, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The Iranian delegation was already in Switzerland. Saturday saw Tehran say it was closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. We will be bringing you the latest updates, videos and expert analysis on the conflict in the Middle East throughout the day.