Iran, U.S. conclude technical talks, move to high-level phase

Technical negotiations between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have concluded, paving the way for a higher-level diplomatic engagement. The talks resulted in the formation of four specialized working groups tasked with addressing key issues.

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Based on the agreements reached, future negotiations will be held under the supervision of a high-level committee, with the presence of the President of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Foreign Minister of our country, the First Vice President of the United States, and the Prime Ministers of Qatar and Pakistan.

According to Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, the agreements reached stipulate that future negotiations will be supervised by a high-level committee. This committee will include prominent figures such as the President of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and Iran's Foreign Minister, alongside the U.S. Vice President and the Prime Ministers of Qatar and Pakistan, who are acting as mediators.

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Four working groups were decided upon: sanctions relief, nuclear program, reconstruction and economic development, and follow-up and implementation.

Significant outcomes from the technical discussions include the agreement for the "immediate" release of $12 billion in Iranian funds that had been frozen. Additionally, the United States has issued a license authorizing the sale of oil produced by Iran. This move comes after the U.S. Treasury Department granted a 60-day waiver, allowing for the production, sale, transport, and import of Iranian oil and petrochemical products, despite existing sanctions.

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The immediate release of 12 billion dollars of frozen Iranian funds was agreed upon, and the United States issued a license authorizing the sale of oil produced by Iran.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran has committed to ensuring free and open transit through the Strait of Hormuz and to allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to its territory. These commitments were made in conjunction with the productive talks. The U.S. had previously lifted a blockade on Iranian ports and coastlines imposed in April, which had significantly reduced Iran's oil exports.

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In line with the productive conversations taking place in Switzerland, Iran has committed to ensuring free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into its territory.