(SeaPRwire) –   Negotiations between the US and Iran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, kicked off Sunday in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock. This was meant to be the first round to settle the ongoing conflict, aligning with a recent memorandum of understanding. The US was represented by Vice President J.D. Vance and Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s team, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, included key economic officials. Initially scheduled for Friday, talks were postponed due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Then, Sunday’s negotiations were halted after 80 minutes when Trump threatened “hit Iran very hard again”. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said talks focused on ending Israel-Hezbollah hostilities and lifting oil sanctions. Iranian oil CEO Hamid Bovard noted oil exports were “seriously pursued” and a draft for sanctions waivers was complete. But Trump’s demand for Iran to rein in Hezbollah triggered a backlash. Iranian Speaker Ghalibaf dismissed US threats, saying Tehran wouldn’t be intimidated. The US vice president claimed progress, but Trump warned Iran’s president to “watch his mouth”. Meanwhile, Israel’s Netanyahu vowed to keep troops in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah vowed to resist. Talks are tense but ongoing, with back-channel efforts to resume Monday. The Iranian delegation remains in Burgenstock, and US diplomats say discussions continue. This latest episode highlights the delicate balance in Middle East diplomacy, where threats can quickly upend fragile negotiations. The standoff over Lebanon, oil sanctions, and nuclear ambitions keeps the region on edge, with little room for miscalculation.