Iran Says Trump’s Threats Brought Switzerland Talks to a Halt

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported this evening (Sunday) that "Trump’s threats led to the end of the negotiations in Switzerland and cast a heavy shadow of uncertainty over what comes next. The Iranian negotiating delegation is considering how to respond to Trump’s threats. This is a serious violation of the agreement." About half an hour later, the Iranian delegation returned to the hotel and announced: "We will continue the talks if Trump apologizes."

Earlier today, as the U.S. and Iranian delegations began talks in Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, because the IDF had not withdrawn from Lebanon and the U.S., according to Iran, was not pressuring Israel.

Speaking with Fox News, Trump said: "I’ll blow them to pieces if they do that. We may have to take control of the Strait of Hormuz; we are the guardian angel of the Middle East. I spoke with senior Iranian officials, and I told them — if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, they will not have a country."

The American president also responded to remarks by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who said: "We will not give up our right to enrichment, and you will have to accept that." Trump replied: "He’d better watch his mouth, he’d better get himself together, or we’ll take over the rest of his country. I hold all the cards, and I have several options if the Iranians do not make a serious commitment during the negotiations."

Trump also addressed the situation in Lebanon: "Iran must immediately stop its proxy in Lebanon from stirring up trouble. If they do not, we will hit Iran very hard again, just as we did last week, only harder. I’m disappointed that Israel can’t ‘move’ Hezbollah. They can’t do anything without blowing up a few buildings; I’m close to giving it to Syria." On Gaza, the American president added: "Hamas is not causing a lot of problems. Once the issue with Iran is over, many of the other things will work themselves out."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded: "The Americans would be wise to be careful with their words. Our forces are ready to respond." An Iranian source told the Iranian news agency Tasnim: "If Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon, the negotiations will be stopped." Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem also addressed the issue: "There is no such thing as a ceasefire with freedom of action for Israel — every violation will be answered with fire. The U.S. must restrain Israel."

Senator Lindsey Graham said: "If Iran tries to test us, we will destroy them. If Iran’s leaders continue using Hezbollah to attack Israel, they will face consequences. Iran will be put into a restrictive framework — whether we reach an agreement or not. To Iran’s leaders: you have been warned. If you continue using Hezbollah terrorists to attack Israel, you will bear the consequences."