US, Iran Launch Talks as Trump Warns of New Military Strikes

The United States and Iran have begun talks in Switzerland aimed at reaching a peace agreement addressing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and ensuring the continued reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as President Donald Trump renewed threats of military action if Hezbollah continues attacking Israel, Eltaf Najafizada, Kate Sullivan and Sara Gharaibeh reported for Bloomberg News.

As discussions got underway, Trump said in a social media post that he would strike Iran again if it does not "immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble." (Photo: U.S. Central Command Facebook)

The first high-level meetings involving representatives from the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan began Sunday in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock.

Among those attending were US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

As discussions got underway, Trump said in a social media post that he would strike Iran again if it does not "immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble."

Trump also warned that the United States could begin collecting tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if no agreement is reached.

Addressing Iranian leaders directly, Trump warned that if Iran closes the strategic waterway, "you won't even make it back" to Iran.

While a hard-won interim agreement has eased tensions between Washington and Tehran, Sunday's discussions are expected to mark only the beginning of lengthy negotiations covering Iran's nuclear activities and possible economic relief measures.

"What today really represents is the beginning of a technical negotiation that's not going to solve every disagreement," Vance told reporters.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the Iranian delegation opposed a joint photograph with US officials, citing a source familiar with the matter.

The semi-official ISNA news agency reported that key topics include a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the status of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.