JD Vance, the Ohio senator and prominent Trump ally, has been observed at a luxury resort in Switzerland conducting clandestine discussions with Iranian officials, according to diplomatic sources. The meeting, which took place over three days at the Chedi Andermatt, marks the first direct engagement between a senior American political figure and Tehran since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. Vance’s presence, confirmed by hotel records and witness accounts, has prompted scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic foreign policy circles over the nature and authority of his diplomatic foray.
The discussions are understood to have focused on de-escalation in the Persian Gulf and potential frameworks for renewed negotiations, though no formal agreements were reached. The State Department declined to comment citing the sensitivity of backchannel communications. Critics have questioned whether Vance’s mission undermines official US foreign policy, while proponents argue it reflects the growing influence of Trump-aligned figures in shaping America’s global posture.
The resort, known for its discretion, has hosted several unpublicised international meetings in recent years. Iranian state media has neither confirmed nor denied the talks. The incident underscores the fragmentation of American diplomatic engagement as the 2024 election cycle intensifies.
