Talks Between Iran and the US Have Begun in Switzerland

Negotiations have begun between the United States and Iran on the implementation of a preliminary agreement intended to create the conditions for ending the conflict in the Middle East. At the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock, the US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian side is represented by Parliament Speaker   Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

However, the talks are being complicated by Tehran's decision to again shut the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says it took this step because Washington failed to ensure compliance with the ceasefire in Lebanon. According to Iranian media, the strategic maritime route will remain closed until the ceasefire is respected and until the US issues exemptions allowing the sale of Iranian oil.

The memorandum of understanding agreed by both sides last week calls for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, an end to hostilities (including the conflict in Lebanon), and 60 days of subsequent negotiations on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Before the talks began, Vance expressed hope for progress on both the nuclear program and the ceasefire in Lebanon. Qatar and Pakistan are also participating in the talks as mediators.

(Reuters, mja)