U.S.-Iran Talks Extend Overnight Amid New Trump Threats Over Lebanon

U.S. and Iranian delegations remained in Switzerland overnight, extending high-stakes negotiations into June 22. The talks aim to expand the June 18 memorandum into a comprehensive deal covering nuclear limits, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions relief. While U.S. diplomats described the nuclear discussions as "robust," the immediate focus has shifted toward Lebanon deconfliction and the implementation of a ceasefire track. Qatar and Pakistan are reportedly acting as mediators in this four-party format. Despite the diplomatic progress, President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric via social media, warning Tehran that Washington would strike Iran "very hard again" if its Lebanese proxies do not cease operations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei maintained that the transition to a final-status agreement is conditional on the implementation of sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets, including oil-waiver provisions. Technical discussions are also underway regarding deconfliction mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. sources indicated that working groups are seeking to build formal mechanisms to ensure the waterway remains open and to clarify Iranian messaging regarding maritime blockades. While nuclear issues remain on the agenda, they are currently serving as the foundation for future technical sessions.