Trump Warns Iran Over Lebanon Proxies as High-Stakes Switzerland Talks Begin

Washington, June 2026 : US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a fresh warning to Iran, threatening stronger military action if Tehran fails to curb the activities of allied groups operating in Lebanon, even as American and Iranian officials opened a new round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reducing regional tensions and advancing discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

The warning came as US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland to lead the American delegation in talks with Iranian representatives. The discussions, being held at the Burgenstock resort near Lucerne, are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional security issues, and efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon.

In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump demanded that Iran immediately rein in what he described as its “highly paid proxies” in Lebanon. The President warned that failure to do so could trigger another round of US military strikes against Iran.

The remarks underscored Washington’s dual-track strategy of maintaining diplomatic engagement while continuing to apply pressure on Tehran over its regional influence and support for allied militant groups.

Ahead of the negotiations, Vice President Vance struck a more conciliatory tone, expressing hope that the talks could lay the foundation for a broader and more stable relationship between the two countries. He indicated that discussions would seek to establish a framework for future negotiations and address key security concerns that have dominated US-Iran relations for years.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking on national television, argued that recent US actions had significantly altered the balance of power ahead of the talks. According to Wright, military pressure and efforts to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had weakened Iran’s negotiating position compared to previous rounds of diplomacy.

Wright said the discussions would provide a clearer understanding of Tehran’s objectives and the compromises it may be willing to make. He also noted that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, was gradually returning to normal levels after months of disruption. The recovery of shipping activity, he said, was helping stabilise international energy markets and could contribute to lower oil and gas prices in the months ahead.

Defending the administration’s approach, Wright maintained that the White House had accepted short-term economic uncertainty in pursuit of a larger objective — preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He argued that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose one of the greatest threats to global economic stability and regional security.

However, the administration’s strategy has drawn criticism from former officials. Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice described the emerging diplomatic framework as deeply flawed, arguing that Washington had offered Tehran significant concessions before securing a comprehensive and enforceable agreement.

Rice contended that Iran had already benefited from measures including expanded oil exports, access to international financial channels and potential relief involving frozen assets. She questioned whether the current framework adequately addressed Israel’s security concerns and warned that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remained largely intact. According to Rice, any lasting settlement must include strict and verifiable restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities.

The latest diplomatic push follows months of conflict and uncertainty centred on Iran’s nuclear programme, Lebanon’s security situation and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. While the Trump administration argues that sustained pressure brought Iran back to the negotiating table, critics maintain that diplomacy should remain the primary tool for achieving a durable and verifiable agreement.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)