What's been achieved by the US–Iran talks so far

The United States announced "great progress" following its first substantial talks with Iran under a new deal to pause the ongoing conflict. US Vice President JD Vance detailed four objectives achieved during the high-level negotiations held in Switzerland, although Iran has offered conflicting statements.

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As the president of the United States has himself said, sometimes these ceasefires just mean you're shooting a little bit less. But we wanted to make sure that we had the proper coordination set up so that if there is shooting, if Hezbollah fires at Israel or if Israel responds, if there are other conflicts that arise in the region, we're actually talking to each other and figuring out how to stop the shooting.

Key among the reported outcomes is a mechanism designed to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. Vance explained this would involve coordinated de-mining efforts to prevent conflicts in the strait from escalating. Additionally, a 'de-confliction' mechanism aims to maintain the ceasefire, establishing communication channels between parties to de-escalate hostilities should they arise.

Perhaps the most significant US claim is Iran's agreement to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country. Vance described this as the "first step in permanently denuclearising" Iran's nuclear program, a move the US views with particular excitement. This follows a period where Iran had severely restricted access for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.

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This represented 'the first step in permanently denuclearising or permanently ending a nuclear weapons program in Iran', and 'is probably what we're most excited about as Americans.'

However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, countered these claims, stating that no new commitments had been made. He specifically addressed the nuclear inspections, asserting that Iran had not agreed to restart them under new terms. The talks also addressed ongoing technical negotiations, with Vance noting that teams would continue working on objectives important to all parties involved.

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no new commitment had been made.