Trump team halts Vance's Switzerland trip as Iran issues stark warning over deal

Trump team halts Vance's Switzerland trip as Iran issues stark warning over deal

Vice President JD Vance has cancelled a planned trip to Switzerland for the next round of U.S.-Iran negotiations as Tehran's lead negotiator warns America will face an 'even harder slap' if it violates the emerging agreement.

Vice President JD Vance scrapped plans to travel to Switzerland on Friday for the next round of U.S.-Iran talks, the White House confirmed Thursday night, highlighting ongoing uncertainty over the timing and logistics of the negotiations with Tehran.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned of a strong response to any violations of the memorandum of understanding (MOU).

'If they wish to tread that path again, they will receive an even harder slap,' Ghalibaf added.

Switzerland confirmed Thursday that initial negotiations to implement the signed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the war will take place at a Swiss resort complex on Friday.

'Currently, the plan remains for the United States and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar and other involved countries, to meet tomorrow at the Burgenstock Resort for initial negotiations on the implementation of the agreement,' the ministry added.

On Wednesday, the signing was moved forward as President Donald Trump signed the document personally before a dinner with President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed remotely.

Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had been expected to attend the start of negotiations, during which the parties will have 60 days to formulate a final agreement.

The 60-day negotiating window for a final Iran deal officially starts now, according to Vice President JD Vance after the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed Wednesday night by President Donald Trump, the president of Iran, and the Pakistan prime minister as moderator.

'I would say the 60-day period officially started today,' Vance told reporters at Thursday's White House press briefing. 'So yes, the deal started yesterday. We're going to start the clock today.'

'The simple fact is that the only way the Iranians get any of those resources, not a single penny, by the way, from the United States of America under any circumstances,' Vance said, adding that Iran would only receive benefits 'if they comply fully and change their behavior.'

'Last night, 12.5 million barrels of oil went through the Strait of Hormuz,' Vance said, calling it the highest level since the conflict began.