The first round of high-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland got off to a rocky start on Sunday after Tehran refused to participate in a planned photo opportunity with American officials and later walked out of the venue in protest over President Donald Trump’s latest threat of military action against Tehran.
The dramatic scenes unfolded at the Burgenstock resort, where Iran, the US, Pakistan and Qatar convened for the opening round of negotiations under the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Photo op turns into diplomatic snub
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, organisers and members of the US delegation had planned a handshake and joint photo session between the two sides before talks began. However, Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi refused to participate, calling it an American “media show”.
As US Vice President JD Vance watched from just metres away, standing alongside Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif in the same room, the Iranian officials moved out. Footage showed Araghchi entering a room where Vance and his delegation were present, greeting Sharif with a handshake and embrace, then leaving shortly afterwards. Vance appeared to glance in Araghchi’s direction before looking away.
The moment drew attention because it marked one of the highest-level direct encounters between officials from the two countries in years.
Vance praises Pakistan’s role
Despite the diplomatic tension, Vance praised Pakistan’s mediating role. He remarked that he had “spoken to [Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir] more than anyone else in the last few months,” calling him a “good diplomat”. He credited Pakistan for bridging the gap in the negotiations, stating that Islamabad had done “an amazing job”.
Vance also joked about his personal connections: “I have joked that I have two very, very important people in my life. An Indian and a Pakistani. The Indian is my wife, and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Munir”.
Iran walks out over Trump threat
Tensions escalated further after Trump warned Tehran to rein in Hezbollah in Lebanon or face new US military action. “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran’s Tasnim later reported that the Iranian delegation left the talks venue in protest. A source cited by Press TV said Iranian negotiators had formally raised objections with the American side. The delegation withdrew for internal consultations after an 80-minute session.
What the talks achieved
Despite the walkout, the first round of talks did address key issues. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said discussions focused on ending the war, securing sanctions relief and facilitating the release of Iranian frozen funds, according to state media.
Iranian officials insisted that the violence in Lebanon must stop before further discussions can take place. The memorandum calls for the termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and stresses respect for the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Trump later confirmed that “most points were agreed to” and praised Pakistan warmly, naming Munir and Sharif specifically. He also announced a naval blockade: effective immediately, the US Navy would interdict every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran.
What happens next
The Swiss ceremony was cancelled after the agreement was signed remotely. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had planned to attend the signing, cancelled his visit. The US and Iran are now in a holding pattern—with an offer on the table, threats in the air, and cameras still rolling.
