Lead:

US and Iranian delegations convened in Burgenstock, Switzerland on Sunday for a new round of technical negotiations aimed at implementing a previously signed memorandum of understanding intended to end hostilities in the Middle East. The talks, mediated with support from Qatar and Pakistan, unfold against a backdrop of sharp US warnings, Iranian counter-threats over the Strait of Hormuz, and parallel regional crises in Lebanon and Gaza.

Details:

US Vice President JD Vance traveled to Switzerland on Sunday as the American side's senior representative, signaling the high-profile nature of the talks. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism that all outstanding issues with Iran could be resolved within 60 days, while simultaneously issuing stark warnings. Speaking to Fox News, Trump stated that the United States could seize control of the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, and threatened renewed strikes on Iran should Tehran fail to restrain its allies in Lebanon from "causing problems," according to Al-Yaum.

Iran's posture entering the talks remained firm on core positions. President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly declared that Iran would not abandon its right to uranium enrichment, insisting this was a matter the other side must accept, even as he reiterated that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons. Separately, Iran's Mehr News Agency quoted the Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command as announcing a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding — a claim Tehran linked directly to continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as reported by Al-Watan.

The United States military responded by stating it was maintaining full readiness following Iran's re-closure announcement, according to Al-Yaum. Trump later appeared to walk back some of the Hormuz threat, clarifying that no transit fees would be imposed on ships using the waterway after the 60-day MOU period, as reported by Al-Jazirah. Qatar announced the formal opening of the Switzerland talks through a statement from its foreign ministry, while Pakistan — which had announced the technical session schedule a day earlier — also confirmed the Sunday start.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held phone calls with the King of Bahrain and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to discuss regional developments, stating that Saudi Arabia looks forward to reaching a permanent agreement that enhances regional security and stability, according to Newsd. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led Arab Group delivered a statement before an emergency UN Security Council session addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza, underscoring the broader regional stakes surrounding the negotiations.

Watch For:

Whether the Iranian delegation's firm stance on uranium enrichment becomes a formal sticking point that blocks technical progress within the 60-day window established by the MOU.

Whether Iran re-opens the Strait of Hormuz as talks proceed, or uses its closure as ongoing leverage tied to Israeli military activity in Lebanon.

The outcome of Monday's quadrilateral foreign ministers meeting in Cairo, bringing together Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey to coordinate positions on the Iran file and broader regional conflicts.