U.S. says Iran talks could continue as Switzerland meeting is reported
Senior U.S. officials said chances of an Iran nuclear deal are fading even as Axios reported possible Switzerland talks next week and Washington pressed Tehran to declare the Strait of Hormuz open and stop attacks on ships.
The United States and Iran remain in mediated contact after recent military exchanges, but senior U.S. officials now say a nuclear deal is becoming increasingly unlikely. Axios reported that officials are expected to meet in Switzerland next week in what would be the first significant direct engagement since April 2026, even as Tehran denies requesting talks. U.S. officials have also demanded that Iran declare the Strait of Hormuz open and stop shooting at ships, with one official warning of serious consequences if no commitment is made by Saturday, though others did not present that as a firm deadline. The dispute remains tied to the June 17 memorandum of understanding, under which both sides accuse the other of violations involving ceasefire terms, maritime security and sanctions pressure.
- Strait of Hormuz: A strategic maritime chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes and carrying a major share of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
- MoU: A memorandum of understanding that sets out a framework for cooperation or negotiations without necessarily being a final treaty.
- sanctions relief: The easing or removal of economic penalties imposed on a country, often used as a bargaining point in diplomatic negotiations.