U.S. Vice President Vance Departs for Switzerland to Attend In-Person Talks with Iran on June 21

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has departed for Switzerland to attend in-person negotiations between the United States and Iran scheduled for today, June 21 (local time).

Vice President Vance left from Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., to lead the follow-up working-level negotiations following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war between the U.S. and Iran.

Before departing for Switzerland, Vance spoke to reporters regarding the situation between Israel and Lebanon, stating, "Contrary to reports, the situation is actually improving and calming down somewhat." He added, "This is an issue we must continue to manage to ensure the safety and stability of both Israel and Lebanon."

"We hope to make progress on the nuclear issue and also on the Lebanon ceasefire issue," Vance said. "These are the two key issues we need to focus on."

Earlier, Pakistan, which is mediating the U.S.-Iran peace talks, announced that the in-person meeting between the two countries would be held in Switzerland today, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been serving as a mediator, departed for Switzerland earlier today.

Vice President Vance stated that U.S. delegation members, including Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, have already arrived in Switzerland, and that the Iranian delegation has also reached the country.

The U.S. and Iran had planned to hold their first working-level talks in Switzerland to discuss the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions following the signing of the MOU, but the schedule had been delayed due to ongoing clashes between Israel and the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Subsequently, Iran declared a re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing a violation of the MOU.

However, the U.S. military stated that as of today, the strait remains unblocked.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.