Mediators see "encouraging progress" in first round of U.S.-Iran talks

4m ago Vance expected to speak to reporters after first round of talks with Iran in Switzerland Vice President JD Vance is expected to speak to reporters in Switzerland after taking part in the first round of talks with Iranian officials. Overnight, Pakistan and Qatar said in a joint statement that "high level talks" have concluded, but that technical talks will continue through the week. A senior U.S. diplomat said on Sunday night that "topics of discussion have included clarifying some of the confusing messaging from Iran on the Strait and building deconfliction mechanisms to ensure the Strait will remain fully open. We have also worked through deconfliction mechanisms and enforcing the ceasefire in southern Lebanon. We've had robust discussions on all elements of the nuclear deal. We plan to continue working through each of these issues and using today's work as a start point for ongoing technical talks going forward." Vance's news conference will be carried live in the player at the top of this page. 9m ago Iran says meeting with U.S. lasted 18 hours Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the first round of talks with the U.S. in Switzerland lasted 18 hours. Speaking to Iran's state broadcaster IRNA, Esmail Baqaei said the talks began at about 9:00 a.m. Sunday and went on until around 3:00 a.m. Monday. After the meeting, Iran's delegation left Switzerland and returned to Tehran. …