UNIPA News(Geneva) 21 June- US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to formally launch negotiations with Iranian officials aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program and advancing the implementation of a recently signed interim agreement designed to end hostilities in the region.

Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, landed shortly before 6 a.m. local time, according to his office. His visit follows delays caused by escalating violence in Lebanon and the temporary suspension of Iranian participation in the talks.

The negotiations mark the beginning of a 60-day period during which US and Iranian officials are expected to finalize the technical details of the framework agreement signed last week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran’s delegation includes Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and senior officials from the country’s central bank and oil sector. The US team includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, who have already begun preliminary discussions.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Qatari mediators are also participating in the talks.

The negotiations come amid heightened regional tensions following renewed clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The violence has complicated efforts to sustain diplomatic momentum, with both Israel and Hezbollah remaining outside the framework agreement.

Iran previously announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies transit. However, US Central Command disputed the claim, stating that maritime traffic continues to move through the strait under ongoing monitoring by US forces.

Under the interim agreement, Iran is permitted to resume unrestricted oil exports and gain access to previously frozen assets. In return, Tehran has committed to diluting its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The agreement also guarantees commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz for a 60-day period without additional charges. President Trump has warned that the United States could impose tolls on the waterway if a final agreement is not reached within the specified timeframe.

Vance is expected to remain in Switzerland for several days, while detailed negotiations continue under the leadership of senior US envoys.