JD Vance is on his way to Switzerland. Image: keystone
June 21, 2026, 01:43June 21, 2026, 01:43
After days of uncertainty, US Vice President JD Vance left for Switzerland for negotiations with Iran. “I think we will hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue and also make progress on the issue of the ceasefire in Lebanon,” he said before departure. He could only be there for a day or two, after which the talks would continue at another level.
The fighting in Lebanon in particular has recently led to tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran therefore announced on Saturday that it would close the Strait of Hormuz.
Talks were supposed to start on Friday
A few hours before departure there was still uncertainty about the travel schedule. The talks with Iran were originally scheduled for Friday.
Vance had previously confirmed that talks were currently taking place in Switzerland – and in this context also that US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff were in Switzerland.
“Jared and Steve have been on site for several hours now, handling some of the technical aspects of these negotiations,” Vance continued. “From my impression from talking to Jared and Steve this morning, things are going well.” (sda/dpa)