BURGENSTOCK, Switzerland/TEHRAN, June 23 (ANI): The first round of renewed US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland has produced signs of diplomatic progress, with both sides agreeing to continue technical discussions toward a broader agreement. However, a disagreement quickly surfaced over claims that Tehran had agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country.
US Vice President JD Vance described the opening day of talks at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland as “very, very good,” saying negotiators had established a strong foundation for a potential final agreement.
“We laid a very good foundation for a successful final deal,” Vance told reporters, adding that while a comprehensive agreement had not yet been reached, meaningful progress had been made toward one.
The talks are part of a broader diplomatic effort aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran, addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment activities, and regional security issues.
As a confidence-building measure, the United States on Monday announced a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iran’s oil sector until August 21. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was linked to Iran’s commitment to maintaining free navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and to cooperation with international nuclear oversight efforts.
Vance also claimed that Iran had agreed to permit inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to enter the country and that inspection mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure Tehran could not develop nuclear weapons.
However, Iran swiftly rejected that characterization.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran had not made any new commitments regarding international inspections. Speaking to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Baqaei said Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA would continue only under existing safeguards agreements and within the framework of domestic laws and decisions of the Supreme National Security Council.
“Iran’s interactions with the Agency, in accordance with its obligations under the Safeguards Agreements, will continue according to existing procedures,” Baqaei said.
Iranian officials further maintained that nuclear issues were only briefly mentioned during the Switzerland talks and that no detailed discussions or formal negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme had taken place. Sources familiar with the negotiations also said Iran had not agreed to any new nuclear-related commitments.
Despite the differing accounts, mediators reported encouraging progress in the discussions. According to officials involved in the process, Washington and Tehran agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. Technical-level talks are expected to continue throughout the week in Switzerland.
Mediators also confirmed the establishment of direct communication channels between the two sides to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. A separate “de-confliction cell” involving relevant parties and Lebanese authorities has been created to help prevent renewed hostilities in Lebanon.
In addition, discussions reportedly included possible sanctions relief measures for Iran, including the unfreezing of certain assets.
The conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran highlight the significant challenges that remain as both countries seek to transform preliminary diplomatic progress into a comprehensive agreement addressing nuclear concerns, regional stability, and economic sanctions. (ANI)
507 words, 3 minutes read time.
About The Author
