NPR News: 06-20-2026 2PM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. US envoys have arrived in Switzerland for the latest round of diplomatic talks with their Iranian counterparts. Willem Marx reports fresh violence in the Middle East complicates their efforts.

Willem Marx0:16

President Trump's point men, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reached Switzerland Saturday afternoon for the latest round of talks aimed at a potential new nuclear agreement with Iran. The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Qatari and Pakistani mediators are joining them in the resort town of Burgenstock, according to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry. The meetings had originally been set for Friday, but were delayed after renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. That fighting continued Saturday, and Iranian officials have said the entire understanding could collapse if commitments tied to a recent memorandum of understanding are not met. For NPR News, I'm Willem Marx.

Nora Raum· Host0:50

Iran said today it's closed the Strait of Hormuz because of Israel's attacks in Lebanon that killed at least 16 people. US Central Command disputes this, saying traffic continues to flow through the strait, and US forces are monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case. The memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran this week is a tentative agreement designed to lead to an end to the war. NPR's Ron Elving reports there is much at stake.

Ron Elving1:20

There's the fragile ceasefire that may or may not be holding for the moment. Then there's the fate of the MOU between the US and Iran.