US and Iran begin talks in Switzerland: nuclear deal and security of the Strait of Hormuz at stake

A new round of talks between the United States and Iran has begun in the Swiss resort town of Bürgenstock. The main goal of the meeting is to work out a long-term peace agreement and resolve the issue of the Iranian nuclear program.

According to Bloomberg, representatives of the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan are participating in the negotiations. The American delegation is represented by US Vice President J.D. Vance, and the Iranian delegation is represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The talks are taking place against the backdrop of a serious escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Tehran previously announced the possibility of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic sea route through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. An additional factor in the tension remains the confrontation between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

Before leaving for Switzerland, Vance said that Washington hopes to achieve progress not only on the nuclear issue, but also on the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.

According to sources, the parties have 60 days to reach agreements within the framework of the memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump and the Iranian leadership.

Experts believe that the outcome of these negotiations could be crucial not only for the security of the region, but also for the stability of the global energy market and the international nuclear arms control system.