US Vice President JD Vance has left for Switzerland for talks with Iran after days of uncertainty over whether the negotiations would go ahead.
"I can only be there for a day or two," Vance said before departing, after which the negotiations would continue at a lower level.
"I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue."
Israeli strikes on the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has emerged as a major source of tension between Washington and Tehran. In response, Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Only hours before Vance's departure, uncertainty still surrounded the timing of the trip. The talks with Iran had originally been scheduled to begin on Friday.
Vance confirmed that meetings were already under way in Switzerland and said that Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were already there.
"Jared and Steve have been on the ground now for a few hours, dealing with some of the technical elements of this negotiation," Vance said.
"My understanding talking to Steve and Jared this morning is that things are going well."
