Iranian state media reported that Iran's negotiating team left high-level US-Iran talks shortly after they began on Sunday in Switzerland, citing protest over comments made by US President Donald Trump.

The talks mark one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between Washington and Tehran in recent months. Representatives from Pakistan and Qatar are also participating in the process in a mediating role, according to reports.

As negotiations continued, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed optimism regarding the diplomatic track, stating that Iran expects the return of $6 billion in funds currently blocked in Qatar as the process moves forward.

Tensions rose, however, after U.S. President Donald Trump issued fresh warnings directed at Iran. Trump said Tehran must prevent its regional allies in Lebanon from creating further instability, warning that the United States could respond forcefully if such activities continue.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected the remarks, saying Tehran does not take U.S. threats seriously and arguing that pressure tactics have repeatedly failed to achieve Washington's objectives. He also called on American officials to be more cautious in their public statements.

Despite the sharp exchange, U.S. Vice President JD Vance struck a more optimistic tone, saying progress had been made in recent hours and reaffirming Washington's commitment to securing a broader regional ceasefire. Vance also stated that the United States had seen no concrete evidence suggesting that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed.

Iran's Armed Forces, meanwhile, said they were prepared to respond to threats through different means if necessary.

According to Iranian media reports, the Iranian delegation subsequently left the venue where talks with U.S. representatives were being held, citing Trump's remarks as the reason for the move. Neither Washington nor Tehran immediately issued an official statement confirming whether the negotiations had been suspended or terminated. (ILKHA)