Iran has warned the United States to “be careful” following threats by President Donald Trump to strike the Islamic Republic over its alleged support for Hezbollah, even as both countries continue diplomatic talks in Switzerland aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East.
The negotiations, held in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock, are intended to establish a framework that could lead to a 60-day process for resolving broader issues that have strained US-Iran relations for decades.
However, the talks have been overshadowed by escalating rhetoric, unresolved sticking points, and renewed instability in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to threaten regional peace efforts.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned Washington against issuing threats during the diplomatic process.
“They would do better to be careful with their statements; our armed forces are ready to respond to them in a different manner. No matter what they say, we are the ones who act,” he said.
President Trump had earlier warned of possible military action if Iran did not halt what he described as support for “highly paid proxies in Lebanon”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary”, while reaffirming his position that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran’s state broadcaster reported that nuclear issues were not discussed during the initial 80-minute session of talks, which instead focused on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between both countries and the situation in Lebanon.
The broadcaster also said the Iranian delegation initially refused to begin the meeting until journalists had left the room, underscoring the sensitivity of the discussions.
US Vice President JD Vance described the talks as an opportunity for a “historic meeting” and expressed hope for improved relations.
“The question before us now is how much more can we accomplish together? Can we turn over a new leaf? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently? Or do we go back to doing things the old way, which is not our preference, but it’s certainly very much something that can happen,” Vance said.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high over key issues, including Iran’s regional influence and its nuclear programme.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran would not abandon its right to enrich uranium, while maintaining that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
“We can also state in writing that we have no intention of building a bomb,” he said.
Iran has also linked progress in negotiations to developments in Lebanon, where continued clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have complicated diplomatic efforts.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran would not proceed to a final agreement unless hostilities in Lebanon are halted, warning that the situation remains a critical barrier to progress.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military leadership reported significant pressure on Hezbollah, with Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stating that the group had suffered a “severe and significant blow”.
The overall death toll from the conflict in Lebanon has now surpassed 4,100, according to the Lebanese health ministry, highlighting the scale of the ongoing crisis.
Although no new strikes were reported in southern Lebanon by Sunday evening, the fragile calm underscored the uncertainty surrounding both the battlefield and the negotiating table, as global powers attempt to prevent further escalation in the region.
