Burgenstock: The first round of talks between high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Switzerland ended Monday, mediators said, after a tense opening marked by Tehran's announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump repeating his threats to resume attacks on Iran. At one point, Iranian media reports claimed Tehran envoys refused to return to negotiations room but some officials convinced them.  

A joint statement from mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan said the US and Iran agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week in the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock, according to the statement, which was released by the Qatari foreign ministry.

US and Iran agreed to open Hormuz

The parties agreed to a mechanism to end the fighting in Lebanon and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passages for commercial ships through the contested strait, the statement said.

ALSO READ: 'One Is My Wife, Another Is...': JD Vance Reveals Names Of His Two 'Favourite' Indian And Pakistani People At Iran Talks

"You won't even make it back to your f***ing country"

Just before talks officially began on Sunday, Fox News reported that Trump said he told Iranian officials "you won't have a country" if they tried to close the strait again. Trump also reiterated an earlier threat that the US would take over the waterway and possibly charge a toll of its own, Fox News said. "You won't even make it back to your f***ing country," Trump said.

ALSO READ: 'Will End Negotiations If…': Iran Warns US Talks Could Collapse If Israel Stays In Lebanon

Trump's comment complicate talks

The comments from afar – on social media and to news outlets – complicated efforts by Vice President J D Vance and mediators Pakistan and Qatar to keep Iran engaged in discussions. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing an informed source, said that after Trump's threats became public, the Iranian delegation refused to return to the room where talks were held, though messages were still being traded via Pakistani and Qatari mediators.

In a post on social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his country had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan for Iran.

The White House had no immediate comment when asked if high-level talks had wrapped for now.

(With inputs from Reuters)

You may also like to watch