What the US and Iran agreed – and disagreed – on first day of talks

On the first day of Switzerland talks, the US and Iran reported progress, though significant disagreements remain. The US waived sanctions on Iranian oil for 60 days and established a communication line regarding the Strait of Hormuz to prevent incidents. Iran claims the US agreed to release $12 billion in frozen assets, but the US states these funds will be used exclusively for purchasing US agricultural products. Iran denies reports that international nuclear inspectors will be allowed back into the country. Key sticking points, including Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and specifics of sanctions relief, are yet to be negotiated.

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.

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.

The United States has partially lifted sanctions on Iranian oil exports by issuing a 60-day waiver, allowing for the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil to the US. This move, effective through August 21, is a condition of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17 between Washington and Tehran. The waiver follows "encouraging" talks aimed at ending their conflict, with US Vice President JD Vance stating there is a "good foundation" for a final deal. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the talks as "productive," noting Iran's commitment to free transit in the Strait of Hormuz and allowing IAEA inspectors. The licence covers crude oil, petrochemical, and petroleum products of Iranian origin, but excludes transactions involving North Korea, Cuba, or Russian-occupied Ukraine.

High-ranking US and Iranian officials concluded the first day of talks in Switzerland, with Iran's foreign minister declaring "progress." Mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced that the US and Iran agreed to a 60-day roadmap towards a final deal, with technical talks continuing this week. A key agenda item is the fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which threatens the agreement. The talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf, aim to address Iran's nuclear program and other issues outlined in a recent memorandum of understanding. The US and Iran also agreed to establish a communication line for the Strait of Hormuz and a de-confliction cell for Lebanon.

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.

The United States and Iran have initiated talks in Switzerland regarding an initial peace deal, following recent fighting in Lebanon and Iran's assertion of having shut the Strait of Hormuz. Under this proposed agreement, Iran would reopen the vital shipping channel, and the US would lift its military blockade on Iranian ports. The deal also includes a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran and the termination of all US sanctions. However, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, a primary US concern, are still pending. While the agreement stipulated an end to fighting, conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has persisted, leading to accusations of ceasefire violations by Iran.

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.

Senior negotiators from Iran and the United States are meeting in Switzerland to advance a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending a war launched in February. While most top Iranian decision-makers, including President Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, support the deal, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has expressed reservations. Khamenei stated he held a different view in principle but approved the MoU after President Pezeshkian accepted responsibility. Hardline factions, led by figures like Mahmoud Nabavian and Saeed Jalili, are opposing the deal, citing concerns about its enforcement and perceived concessions. The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, aim to ensure the implementation of the MoU, particularly regarding hostilities in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, before pursuing a long-term resolution.

US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on June 21, 2026, for talks with Iranian officials to implement a recent interim deal aimed at ending the US-Iran war. An Iranian delegation, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also arrived for the negotiations, with Pakistan's Prime Minister and army chief present as mediators. The deal, which extends a ceasefire for 60 days and includes talks on Iran's nuclear program, is already facing strain. Iran's IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz shut, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon as violations of the interim deal, though the US military stated commercial vessels continued to transit the waterway. Iran seeks the implementation of the deal's clauses, including a ceasefire on all fronts and the lifting of sanctions.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance and Iranian negotiators have arrived in Switzerland for new talks concerning the Middle East war. These negotiations aim to address Iran's nuclear program and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The talks were postponed from Friday after Israel conducted strikes in Lebanon, which followed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers. Despite a US-announced ceasefire, clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters resumed on Saturday. Iran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, citing a US "breach of contract" and Israel's "continuous and relentless violation of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon." The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for oil and gas shipments.

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.

Bipartisan criticism has emerged regarding a provisional deal between the US and Iran, even as President Trump issued new threats against Tehran. Republicans like Senator John Cornyn and Democrats such as Susan Rice and Senator Cory Booker have voiced strong objections, calling the agreement a "surrender" and "flimsy" due to concessions granted upfront, including Iran's ability to sell oil unimpeded. This criticism comes as Trump threatened renewed attacks if Iran doesn't curb its proxy in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance hailed progress in direct peace talks in Switzerland, stating negotiators had already made significant headway. The US energy secretary noted that US military actions have altered Iran's leverage in negotiations.

US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are scheduled to meet in Switzerland for talks. These discussions come as a ceasefire in Lebanon, agreed upon by Israel and Hezbollah, appears to have revived efforts to transition an interim Iran war pact into a lasting regional deal. The ceasefire followed a 14-point memorandum signed this week by Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting and create a 60-day period for resolving disputes. These disputes include Iran's nuclear program and other issues crucial for a more durable agreement, which is also seen as critical for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing oil supplies.

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.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned inflammatory remarks made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted "all of Lebanon must burn" following a Hezbollah attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. Ben-Gvir's comments, made on X, also stated that "for every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep" and called for Lebanon to be "obliterated." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by calling Israel a "genocidal death cult" and a threat to humanity. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that 200,000 displaced residents of southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return to their homes. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also called for "opening the gates of hell" in Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 16 people, according to local authorities, despite reports of a renewed ceasefire. The strikes targeted the Nabatieh district and included an attack on a residential building that killed a family of four. This escalation followed an incident where Hezbollah claimed to have killed four Israeli soldiers, prompting retaliatory Israeli attacks that reportedly killed 47 people. The renewed fighting forced mediators to cancel US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland, which were intended to build upon a recently signed interim agreement that calls for a cessation of hostilities. Both Israel and Hezbollah have stated conditions for a lasting ceasefire, with Israel vowing to eliminate threats and Hezbollah demanding withdrawal.

Despite a newly announced ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah have resumed hostilities in southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes and artillery targeted over a dozen areas, reportedly killing at least 11 people, with the Lebanese state news agency identifying Nabatieh as a heavily affected city. The Israeli military stated it struck "Hezbollah terrorist targets" in response to over 50 projectiles fired by the group at Israeli forces. Washington has criticized Israel's actions, fearing they could jeopardize a US peace deal with Iran that aims to end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. A senior Hezbollah official asserted the group's right to retaliate against Israeli attacks.

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.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a ceasefire following 24 hours of intense violence in southern Lebanon. The clashes, which began with Hezbollah killing four Israeli soldiers and Israel retaliating with airstrikes that killed at least 47 people, led to the cancellation of a US-Iran meeting in Switzerland. This meeting was scheduled to discuss the implementation of a new peace deal aimed at ending their conflict and addressing Iran's nuclear program. The violence challenged the new agreement, which called for an end to hostilities on all fronts. Israeli officials stated they would not tolerate attacks and would retaliate heavily, while Hezbollah sources confirmed the renewed ceasefire. The situation added to regional uncertainty and domestic criticism for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

President Donald Trump defended a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran aimed at ending a war. Trump stated the deal amounts to Iran's "unconditional surrender" and that the war has "diminished Iran," claiming the country is "finished." He criticized Democrats and some Republicans who argue the MOU only addresses issues created by the conflict. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance canceled a planned trip to Switzerland to begin negotiations on issues outlined in the MOU, casting doubt on the deal's longevity. The article notes Israel's ongoing fighting in Lebanon as a potential threat to the diplomatic breakthrough.

The United States announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah following continued clashes in southern Lebanon. These exchanges reportedly began when Hezbollah ambushed an Israeli group, killing four soldiers, including a battalion commander. In response to the deaths, Israel's National Security Minister made inflammatory remarks about Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Minister accused Israel of seeking permanent war and warned that any breaches would be attributed to the US. Both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hezbollah face domestic pressure to continue military operations, with Hezbollah vowing to persist as long as Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon continues. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that Israel would continue to address threats and respond to Hezbollah's violations.

United States Vice President JD Vance defended a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran aimed at ending the war, which initiates a 60-day negotiation period for a final deal. However, Vance's planned trip to Switzerland for peace talks was postponed due to overnight Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon that killed at least three people. Iran has not confirmed its negotiators' travel, stating they need to see implementation of the interim agreement, which includes Lebanon in the ceasefire. The agreement, signed by both presidents, is intended to end months of conflict, though its terms and Tehran's commitment are questioned by critics. Israeli attacks in Lebanon continued despite the interim agreement calling for an end to military operations on all fronts.

US-Iran talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were abruptly canceled due to escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. The negotiations, aimed at implementing a peace deal and addressing Iran's nuclear program, were set to begin two days after a memorandum of understanding was signed. The cancellation occurred as Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli forces and Israel responded with airstrikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties. White House officials stated that technical talks would resume as soon as possible, but the US delegation, led by JD Vance, would not be traveling. Iran's negotiators indicated a need to see US implementation of the interim agreement before proceeding. Israel, not party to the US-Iran talks, continued its military campaign, accusing Hezbollah of ceasefire violations, which Hezbollah reciprocated.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance's planned trip to Switzerland for technical talks with Iran has been delayed, according to the White House. The White House stated that the arrangements for these negotiations have not yet been finalized, but the US delegation is ready to travel when an opportunity arises. The delay follows reports from Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen suggesting Tehran suspended its delegation's trip due to ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon. Vice-President Vance had previously described future face-to-face negotiations as "obvious" but acknowledged uncertainty about the timing. He also expressed concern over Israeli political attacks on President Trump and the deal, while asserting Trump's sympathy for Israel.

Oil prices, specifically Brent crude, have begun to rise again as geopolitical tensions escalate. The international benchmark reversed an earlier slide, surpassing $80 a barrel, as traders assessed the impact of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Fighting erupted between Israel and Hezbollah forces in southern Israel, resulting in casualties and threatening a ceasefire agreement. This conflict reportedly led to the cancellation of a planned meeting between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland. Despite the tensions, commercial vessels, including oil and LNG tankers, continued to transit the Strait of Hormuz, though traffic was described as slow. Stock markets in Asia experienced volatile trading sessions.

Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have resulted in at least three deaths, according to Lebanese state media. These strikes occurred despite a US-Iran interim agreement that reportedly calls for a cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. On Thursday, an Israeli drone attack near Kfar Tebnit killed two people, and a separate strike in Zabadin claimed one life. Another drone strike in Beit Yahoun wounded two individuals. The attacks come as Israel faces pressure to halt its operations and withdraw forces from Lebanon as part of the US-Iran agreement. However, Israel's military has released a map indicating its forces are positioned about 10km into Lebanese territory, potentially violating a 2022 maritime agreement concerning Lebanon's gas project.

The United States and Iran have published the text of a 14-point agreement, titled the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," to end their conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement, reached on Sunday, was released following criticism of the Trump administration's lack of transparency. A senior US official confirmed the release on Wednesday. President Trump stated the MOU achieves all stated objectives and more. The agreement declares an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and commits both nations and their allies to refrain from initiating war or using force against each other, while ensuring Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The conflict had previously impacted the global economy and oil prices.

A US-Iran agreement, a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding, has been signed, extending a ceasefire and aiming to de-escalate tensions. Key provisions include an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and a commitment from Iran to never possess nuclear weapons. The deal also outlines a $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction, though US contribution is not mandated. The agreement, signed by President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian, includes a 60-day timeline for negotiating a final deal and mandates the US to end its naval blockade of Iranian ports within 30 days. Iran will facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with traffic expected to resume immediately.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, announced that Iran and the United States have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which has already gone into effect. The agreement, referred to as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, was finalized with the signatures of both presidents. This MoU appears to suspend military operations and is intended as a prelude to further negotiations, with a 60-day timeline for a final deal. While the US has yet to issue a formal statement, a White House spokesperson confirmed the signing. The agreement includes assurances that Iran will not seek a nuclear weapon and outlines potential US support for Iran's reconstruction and the lifting of sanctions. However, Iran's chief negotiator indicated that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions and that Iran expects payment for its use.

Vice President J.D. Vance defended a new US-Iran agreement on Thursday, calling it a "win-win" deal. Vance stated that the US holds "all the cards" and urged faith in President Trump's negotiation abilities. The agreement comes after a nearly four-month war, which some welcomed as an end to an expensive and unpopular conflict, despite criticisms of the deal's vague provisions. President Trump also responded aggressively to critics of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) he signed on Wednesday, questioning the achievements of the recent war.

Despite a US-Iran agreement aimed at ending conflict, Israeli air strikes continue to target southern Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israeli drones attacked Tyre and the Bint Jbeil district, causing injuries. Hezbollah also launched rockets towards Israeli forces. Iran has warned that continued Israeli strikes and occupation of Lebanese territory would violate the deal, viewing the situation in Lebanon as a sensitive and integral part of the agreement. Amnesty International stated that Israel's forced displacement of civilians in southern Lebanon constitutes war crimes. While overall violence has reduced since the agreement's announcement, residents express concern about Israel's adherence to a ceasefire.

Israel conducted new airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and the outskirts of Kfar Tebnit, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. These strikes occurred despite US President Donald Trump's criticism on Tuesday, where he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be "more responsible" regarding Lebanon and stated that Israel had been fighting Hezbollah for "too long." The Israeli military has previously stated its targets are the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Both Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged attacks since a US-Iran agreement, which mediator Pakistan says includes Lebanon, was announced. An earlier Israeli airstrike on Beirut in response to a Hezbollah rocket attack had also put pressure on finalizing this deal.

According to leaked documents, Iran and the U.S. have reached a tentative interim agreement to end a war, with Iran set to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and sell oil freely. The deal, expected to be signed soon, also includes U.S. efforts to secure $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction and work towards lifting sanctions, contingent on a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program. This accord represents significant concessions from the U.S. and includes an immediate end to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The agreement initiates 60 days of negotiations for a final deal, with the U.S. aiming to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a major economic benefit, restoring pre-war traffic levels.