STANSSTAD, SWITZERLAND – JUNE 21: U.S. Vice President JD Vance reacts as he waits to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for high-level talks aimed at advancing a deal to end the Middle East conflict at the Buergenstock Resort, Lake Lucerne on June 21, 2026.

Nathan Howard/Getty Images

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Nathan Howard/Getty Images

High-stakes negotiations at the Lake Lucerne summit in Switzerland between the U.S. and Iran have been strained from the start. Former Ambassador Ryan Crocker says Iran is settling in for the long haul, so the U.S. needs “strategic patience” if it wants long-term stability in the Middle East.

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This episode was produced by Jason Fuller. It was edited by Sarah Robbins. Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.