US-Iran talks in Doha: What were the outcomes and what’s next?

Iran views control over the Strait of Hormuz as a crucial bargaining chip in negotiations with the US, leading to a dispute over its reopening. Iran insists on retaining sole decision-making power regarding the strait's blockade, rejecting proposals for alternative routes that involve other nations, such as a southern route near Oman developed with the UN's International Maritime Organization. This Iranian stance led to the abandonment of the southern route plan after an attack on a Singaporean ship. Meanwhile, Oman has developed a detailed plan for the strait's future management, aiming to ensure income for littoral states through voluntary contributions or service fees, adhering to international law. Oman's diplomatic efforts aim to gain Iran's support for its plan, which could prevent the need for a Western naval taskforce.

The White House has denied a split between Deputy President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding US policy on Iran and Lebanon. Vance defended a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, emphasizing progress and a foundation for a final deal, while also criticizing Israel's military tactics in Lebanon. In contrast, Rubio avoided criticizing Israel, instead focusing on reassuring Gulf allies and condemning the Iranian government. Vance led talks with Iran in Switzerland, while Rubio visited the Middle East to address concerns about the MoU. Despite seemingly diverging public statements, the White House maintains unity on these foreign policy issues.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran has requested and agreed to peace talks in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for Tuesday. This comes after a weekend of escalating exchanges of fire between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, which threatened a ceasefire. The tit-for-tat attacks involved Iran targeting a cargo ship and the US launching retaliatory strikes against Iranian military infrastructure. The White House confirmed a US delegation, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will attend. Reports suggest the talks may also address Iran's nuclear program and aim to prevent further conflict.

Over the weekend, the US and Iran engaged in an exchange of strikes, with the US retaliating against Iranian targets in response to alleged "continued aggression" against commercial shipping. Iran subsequently struck US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, though the US reported no casualties or damage. These events occurred amidst heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route. Separately, the US mediated a peace framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which faced rejection from Hezbollah's leader. Following this, Israel struck a Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon, an action the US was informed of beforehand.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States has accepted Iran's request for a meeting in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for Tuesday. This announcement comes despite recent military skirmishes in the Gulf and less than two hours after a top Iranian official stated that technical talks were not planned for that week. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi indicated that consultations with Qatar are ongoing but could not confirm technical talks. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will lead the US negotiating team to discuss the memorandum of understanding. Iran has not officially confirmed the meeting.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar will be released. This statement comes as U.S.-Iran negotiations face challenges due to recent attacks in the Persian Gulf, including Iranian drone and missile strikes targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, which drew retaliatory U.S. airstrikes. Pezeshkian framed the asset release as a significant victory for the Iranian people, aiming to bolster support for an interim deal. Despite Iran's recent actions disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration stated that technical talks remain on track, though Iran has not confirmed its participation. U.S. officials and Qatar have not yet confirmed the release of the frozen assets.

Fresh hostilities in the Gulf, just ten days after Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding, threaten to escalate tensions. The memorandum's deliberately broad wording on the Lebanon ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz has led to conflicting interpretations, undermining the agreement. In Lebanon, two opposing ceasefire agreements have emerged, one involving Iran and Hezbollah, and another excluding them. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran agreed to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels for 60 days, but subsequent actions by Iran's Revolutionary Guards and an attack on a ship suggest differing interpretations of arrangements and best efforts. These developments have put supporters of the deal in Tehran on the defensive.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has escalated military confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardizing a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States. Following two nights of strikes, including missile and drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, the IRGC stated these actions were retaliation for US strikes and threatened further action if the deal is violated. The IRGC's actions aim to force maritime traffic through Iranian waters, disrupting US-coordinated transit. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Iran would manage the strait for 30 days and reiterated the MoU's clause for an immediate end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. This comes as a US-brokered framework agreement allowing Israeli forces in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed has been rejected by Hezbollah and appears to contradict the MoU. Iranian markets have reacted negatively to the military exchanges.

Iran and the US are continuing attacks in the Gulf, accusing each other of violating a recent interim ceasefire agreement. Early Sunday, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, following a warning from President Donald Trump about potential US military action. This escalation occurred after the US military reported striking Iran again, hours after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which has lasted four months, has seen Iran largely cut off the vital energy shipping route.

Following US strikes on Iran, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna accused President Donald Trump of violating a war powers resolution passed by Congress. The resolution, passed by both the House and Senate, directs the President to halt hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress or in response to an imminent attack. The US military's Central Command conducted strikes after accusing Iran of targeting a ship, leading to retaliatory attacks from Tehran on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. Trump criticized the resolution, calling it "meaningless" and stating it made negotiations harder. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces and bars sustained military action after 60 days without congressional approval.

Several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have strongly condemned Iran's drone attacks on Bahrain. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General called the strikes "treacherous" and a threat to regional peace efforts. Bahrain confirmed the drone incursions, labeling them a "flagrant threat" to its security. These actions follow U.S. airstrikes on Iranian sites after Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the Bahrain strikes, stating they targeted U.S. military locations. The attacks are seen as a significant threat to a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran. Oman has not commented on the incident, maintaining its neutral stance.

Iran and the US have traded attacks in the Gulf, jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire. The US struck Iranian missile, drone, and radar facilities in retaliation for an alleged Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently claimed to have hit US sites in the Gulf in response. Vice President JD Vance warned that "violence will be met with violence" if Iran attacks again, while the IRGC stated future responses to aggression would be "broader." This exchange raises concerns about the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations, which included a ceasefire.

A tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the same day Bahrain reported an Iranian drone attack. The British military confirmed the tanker incident, stating the crew was safe and no environmental damage occurred. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted U.S. military installations in the region in retaliation for overnight U.S. airstrikes. These strikes follow an earlier Iranian drone attack on a ship leaving the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, which prompted the U.S. response. Bahrain, a strong critic of Iran and home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, called the drone attack a threat to its security. The incidents highlight escalating tensions in the region, despite an interim deal between Iran and the U.S. aimed at a final accord.

Iran stated it conducted strikes on Saturday targeting entities associated with US forces, claiming these actions were a response to US airstrikes on its southern coastal surveillance facilities. Iran's foreign ministry described its attacks as "defensive" and alleged the US strikes violated the UN Charter. Subsequently, Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, reported an Iranian drone attack on its territory. Bahrain condemned this as a violation of its sovereignty and a security threat, asserting its right to self-defense. Both nations accused each other of breaching a recent agreement intended to end a four-month conflict.

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) has paused plans to evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following an incident where a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile near Oman. The IMO Secretary-General cited the need for "necessary safety guarantees" as the reason for the suspension. This attack occurred despite a recent memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran aimed at reopening the strait, though disagreements persist over shipping routes and potential tolls. The struck vessel was reportedly using a southern shipping corridor proposed by the IMO that Iran has rejected. The IMO stated the attacked ship was not transiting under their evacuation framework.

The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused ship evacuations through the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman. This decision comes after several tankers successfully used a UN-backed route. The agency stated that safety guarantees must be confirmed before evacuations can resume. The targeted vessel was not part of the evacuation effort, and it remains unclear who launched the projectile. The incident occurred shortly after Iran warned ships against using the route without Tehran's permission. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported the vessel sustained damage but no injuries or environmental effects. This pause impacts efforts to relieve economic pressure and leverage in ongoing peace talks between the US and Iran.

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of conducting a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that one drone damaged the ship's upper deck, but the vessel was able to continue its journey. He also reported that the US military shot down three additional drones that were targeting the ship. Trump described the incident as a "foolish violation" of a ceasefire agreement with the United States. The article notes that the ship and the exact time of the strike were not identified by Trump. However, on the previous day, the British military reported that a vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman.

U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Iran for a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of a ceasefire agreement. One drone damaged the ship, while the U.S. shot down three others. The incident occurred during fragile negotiations between the U.S. and Iran for a permanent end to their war. The British military reported a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The attack led the UN's International Maritime Organization to halt operations to move stranded ships out of the strait until guarantees against further attacks are provided. Tensions in the region were further highlighted by a technical glitch causing a missile warning alert in the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has condemned a joint statement by the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative." The statement, issued after a June 25 meeting in Bahrain, expressed concerns over Iran's nuclear program, missile capabilities, support for regional armed groups, and actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected these points, accusing the US and Israel of fabricating accusations and urging GCC states to work towards a nuclear-weapons-free Middle East. Tehran defended its missile program as a matter of national security and self-defense, not subject to negotiation. Iran also criticized the statement's reference to Palestinian and Lebanese resistance groups as "Iranian proxies," arguing it ignored Israel's occupation.

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily halted a planned evacuation of over 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a cargo ship. The vessel, the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely, was reportedly struck by an "unknown projectile" near Oman on Thursday, though no casualties were reported. The IMO paused the evacuation to ensure "necessary safety guarantees" remain in place, according to IMO chief Arsenio Dominguez. The evacuation effort, which had been announced on Tuesday after the strait reopened, involved cooperation from Iran, Oman, the US, and other regional states. Dominguez stated that the attacked vessel was not transiting under the IMO's evacuation framework and that the plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have warned that any unauthorized crossings of the Strait of Hormuz will be met with action. The IRGC stated that only routes announced by Iran are authorized for passage, deeming other crossings unacceptable and dangerous. This warning follows an oil tanker, the Stoic Warrior, navigating the strait on Thursday using a route near Oman's coast, as outlined by Oman and the International Maritime Organization. The dispute over passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy shipping route, is a significant issue in ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, with Iran planning to impose maritime service fees while the US maintains it is an international waterway.

A Singapore-flagged cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile on its starboard side while transiting the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on Thursday. The incident caused damage to the vessel's bridge, but the master reported no casualties or environmental impact. The British navy agency UKMTO confirmed the event. The UN's International Maritime Organisation is currently assisting numerous ships that have been stranded in the Gulf since the Iran war began in late February.

Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, have welcomed a US-Iran agreement to end a war they did not want. This conflict, initiated by Israeli and US strikes on Iran, ironically pushed some Gulf states towards pragmatic diplomacy with Tehran. The GCC's primary motivation for supporting the US-Iran memorandum of understanding is to de-escalate regional conflict and end the war, rather than a newfound trust in Iran. Gulf nations prioritize addressing Iran's use of drones and proxies over its nuclear program. The agreement places Gulf states at the center of negotiations, with concerns including the future of the Strait of Hormuz and a proposed regional investment fund for Iran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a Middle East trip in Bahrain, meeting with Gulf Arab foreign ministers. Rubio assured allies that any potential deal with Iran would consider their security interests. The trip aimed to address deep reservations Gulf partners hold regarding a preliminary accord with Iran. Many of these allies view the deal as too lenient, especially after experiencing Iranian attacks and disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio stated that the US seeks a lasting peace with Iran that does not compromise the security of its regional allies.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently concluded a three-day tour of the Gulf, marking the first high-level diplomatic mission since a framework agreement was reached between the U.S. and Iran. Speaking to Gulf Arab foreign ministers and officials in Bahrain, Rubio assured allies that any deal to end the ongoing war would prioritize their security interests. He emphasized that Washington seeks an enduring peace with Iran that will not undermine the security and prosperity of its regional allies. Rubio acknowledged the sensitivity of his mission, as Gulf leaders are concerned that concessions to Iran could alter the regional security balance and oil flows. He reiterated in Kuwait that the U.S. would not take actions that compromise the security of its longstanding allies in the region.

Iran has rejected a UN-backed plan, supported by Oman, for the mass evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This action poses a new threat to commercial shipping in the vital waterway. The rejected proposal was intended as the first phase of a broader Omani initiative to manage the strait, potentially modeled on mechanisms in the Malacca and Singapore straits. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps deemed the proposed alternative transit routes "unacceptable and completely dangerous," insisting on mandatory coordination with their navy for any passage. This rejection comes as Iran uses its control of the strait as a key negotiating lever in ongoing talks regarding US sanctions and its nuclear program.

Washington is set to host new talks between Israel and Lebanon this week, following a renewed ceasefire announcement. Iran has made a ceasefire in Lebanon a crucial condition for its ongoing negotiations with the US. These talks are occurring amidst a backdrop of significant conflict, with over 4,000 casualties reported in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks since March. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan have reported progress between the US and Iran, leading to a roadmap that includes a "de-confliction cell" to oversee the cessation of military operations in Lebanon. While the US aims to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and Israel's security, Hezbollah has condemned the talks, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal. Israel, however, has repeatedly stated its intention to remain in occupied areas of Lebanon indefinitely.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with allies in the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain this week to address concerns about a recent 60-day ceasefire deal with Iran. While Qatar helped mediate the agreement, these Gulf nations fear that unfrozen Iranian assets, potentially totaling billions, could fund Iran's military. Rubio aims to reassure them of continued US security commitment. The article notes division within the Gulf over the deal, with some countries expressing apprehension about Iran's potential gains. Iran, meanwhile, disputes US claims about how unfrozen assets can be used and the extent of nuclear inspection agreements.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Pakistan for a state visit, his first overseas trip since recent US and Israel strikes on Iran. He was received by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During his visit, Pezeshkian will hold talks with Sharif and is expected to meet Zardari to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and border security. This visit follows crucial US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, which resulted in an agreement for the US to release frozen Iranian funds and temporarily ease sanctions. The talks established a 60-day roadmap towards a final deal.

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) will evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf, a large-scale operation to be conducted with cooperation from Iran, Oman, the US, and other regional states. This action follows an interim deal to end the US-Israel war against Iran, though disagreements persist over the Memorandum of Understanding's details. While the US claims the MoU includes IAEA inspections of Iran's nuclear weapons program, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that missiles are not part of the agreement and Iran will not negotiate its defense capabilities. A US official countered that Iran has agreed to inspections of its nuclear weapons program remains.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan for talks aimed at mediating a permanent end to the Middle East war. This visit occurs as technical teams finalize details of a potential deal between Iran and the U.S., following high-level negotiations in Switzerland. Discrepancies have emerged regarding agreed-upon terms, particularly concerning International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of Iranian nuclear sites, which Iran disputes. Violence has also resurfaced in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, threatening the fragile ceasefire and potentially impacting the broader diplomatic process. During initial talks, Iran and the U.S. agreed to establish a "de-confliction cell" for the Lebanon conflict and discussed mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Islamabad, Pakistan, for the first time since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. This trip follows high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland that produced a 60-day roadmap towards a final deal, with Pakistan mediating. Pezeshkian's visit is seen as a way to leverage the fragile agreement for political capital and to express gratitude for Pakistan's mediation efforts. He will meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the Switzerland talks and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity. This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement for Pezeshkian, especially given recent tensions between Iran and Pakistan, which were resolved after a military escalation in January 2024.

Mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced that the United States and Iran have agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days following high-level talks in Switzerland. The discussions, which included senior officials from both nations, resulted in a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for de-escalation and laying the groundwork for further negotiations. Key outcomes include the creation of a high-level committee and direct communication channels to oversee mediation, as well as a "de-confliction cell" aimed at ending military operations in Lebanon and a communication line for the Strait of Hormuz. Experts caution that unresolved nuclear issues and the timeline for sanctions relief could complicate the upcoming technical negotiations.

Iran's foreign minister announced "progress" in talks with the US in Switzerland, despite President Trump's threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan stated that the US and Iran agreed on a roadmap for a final deal within 60 days, with technical talks to continue. The US Treasury is preparing a 60-day waiver on sanctions for oil and petrochemicals. Iran had previously reinstated a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in protest of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Separately, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation after internal party pressure and policy misjudgments. In Colombia, far-right millionaire Abelardo de la Espriella won the presidential election, signaling a shift to the right in Latin America.

US-Iran talks in Switzerland have resulted in a breakthrough, with Iran announcing the lifting of a blockade and the release of some frozen assets. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that oil and petrochemical exports are now waived, and a reconstruction and development plan has been launched for Iran. This progress was facilitated by Pakistani and Qatari mediation. The primary challenge moving forward is deconfliction in Lebanon, where Washington and Islamabad have agreed to establish a "deconfliction cell" to monitor the cessation of military operations. The specific details of this deconfliction framework were not elaborated upon in the joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan.

High-level officials from Iran and the United States met in Switzerland, agreeing on a roadmap towards a final deal to end their war. Mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced that negotiators reached an agreement on a 60-day timeline for a final deal, with technical talks continuing in Burgenstock. Key progress was made on establishing communication lines to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and creating a "deconfliction cell" to prevent renewed fighting in Lebanon. The talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, followed a preliminary deal and aimed to address issues stemming from recent escalations, including attacks on Iran and subsequent actions in Lebanon. Despite initial threats from US President Donald Trump, the parties engaged in constructive dialogue, with Iran achieving its conditions for moving forward with technical discussions.

U.S. and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Switzerland to implement an interim agreement, but a dispute over billions in frozen Iranian assets threatens its durability. Iran expects the return of $6 billion in funds from Qatar, while former President Trump stated any release of frozen assets is conditional on Iran upholding commitments. The core disagreement centers on control and monitoring of these funds, with Iran emphasizing sovereignty and the U.S. seeking to attach conditions to their use, primarily for humanitarian purchases. Western intelligence officials are concerned that unfrozen funds could be diverted to regional conflicts, a concern Iran has reportedly signaled to Hezbollah. The talks aim for a comprehensive agreement, with technical teams negotiating the final deal and oversight groups monitoring implementation.

US Vice President JD Vance is leading talks with Iran in Switzerland aimed at progressing on nuclear issues and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The negotiations are complicated by Iran's decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, a protest against former President Trump's perceived inability to end fighting in Lebanon. The agenda also includes opening the strait, lifting US sanctions on Iranian oil, and unfreezing Iranian assets. The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, are taking place at a Swiss resort. Iranian negotiators, including the speaker of parliament and central bank governor, indicate a focus on sanctions relief. However, internal Iranian debate exists regarding the scope and trustworthiness of negotiations, with some officials claiming the talks deviate from Supreme Leader guidelines.

US and Iranian delegations are meeting in Switzerland for crucial talks mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, with Lebanon's escalating conflict topping the agenda. This meeting follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran aimed at ending the "US-Israel war on Iran." The talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will focus on progress regarding the nuclear issue and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran's delegation aims to ensure full implementation of the interim deal and US commitments. The intensified Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which have led Iran's IRGC to close the Strait of Hormuz, threaten the recent agreement. Regional powers are also engaging in parallel diplomatic efforts.

Iran sent an unprecedented "whole-regime" delegation, including top financial and security officials, to technical talks with the United States in Switzerland. This composition signals Iran's primary objective is immediate financial concessions and "immediate cash flow," according to an expert. The delegation's inclusion of the Central Bank governor and oil officials indicates a focus on frozen assets, sanctions relief, and energy leverage, potentially including control of maritime operations. The U.S. delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, expressed hope for progress on nuclear and ceasefire issues. The differing approaches highlight Iran's strategy to negotiate terms that could allow it to avoid future pressure.

A former Iranian negotiating team member, Mahmoud Nabavian, claimed on state television to have seen secret correspondence from Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's son, indicating that Iran's negotiating team overstepped their mandate during talks with the US in Islamabad. Nabavian, deputy chair of Iran's national security council, faces prosecution and dismissal for these revelations, which were broadcast and then censored. The claims suggest internal tensions and a more hands-on approach by the Supreme Leader regarding negotiations, including specific conditions for talks and demands for compensation from the US. A spokesperson for the negotiating team dismissed Nabavian's statements as old and distorted.

High-level technical talks between the United States and Iran are underway in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The primary focus for Iran is to secure US pressure on Israel to cease its attacks in Lebanon, which Iran considers a violation of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Iran's delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, aims to ensure the US fulfills its commitments under the MoU, including the termination of military operations in Lebanon and the lifting of sanctions. The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance. The talks are expected to address Iran's nuclear program and the conflict in Lebanon, with Iran stating it will not proceed with MoU implementation unless Israel adheres to the ceasefire.

US-Iran talks are set to begin Sunday in Switzerland, according to Pakistan, following a postponement. The negotiations aim to finalize a deal after both sides signed a memorandum of understanding for a permanent end to military operations. This comes amid heightened tensions, with Iran announcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz again due to continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Iran views these attacks as a breach of the MoU. US negotiators are already in Switzerland, with Vice President JD Vance expected to join soon. Pakistani and Qatari mediators will also participate in the talks, which are scheduled to start technical-level discussions.

Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and what it describes as US bad faith and a breach of commitments. This action comes as Iran's negotiating team prepares to travel to Switzerland for technical-level talks on Sunday, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. However, Iranian officials have indicated that little progress is expected from these discussions until Iran perceives the US as upholding its commitments. The Strait of Hormuz closure is presented as a warning, with further steps planned if the aggression continues.

Iran's rival political factions are divided over a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while granting permission for the deal, expressed reservations and stipulated conditions, including explicit acceptance of responsibility by President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian, a moderate, views the MoU as a historic document promoting peace through mutual respect, while hardliners criticize the deal and warn of potential renewed conflict with the US. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the chief negotiator, acknowledged the MoU as a starting point for difficult negotiations and emphasized the need for decision-making authority to address Iran's economic pressures exacerbated by war. Hardliners are protesting, demanding concessions like control of the Strait of Hormuz and threatening repercussions if the Supreme Leader's conditions are not met.

Following a 110-day war, Iran's new leadership faces a critical juncture regarding negotiations with the US over its nuclear program. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, despite opposing the deal in principle, has deferred to President Masoud Pezeshkian, seeking assurances against excessive US demands. This situation presents a debate within the US administration on whether Iran's new leadership is ideologically driven or pragmatic, with differing assessments from figures like Donald Trump and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Some hardliners believe Iran's deterrent power lies in its geography, not nuclear weapons, and advocate for stability. The public appears to desire a return to normalcy, while hardline factions like the Paydari Front oppose engagement with the West.