Iranian officials have stated that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah will be a primary focus during negotiations with the United States, which have commenced in Switzerland. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, emphasized the issue’s significance in discussions aimed at addressing regional tensions.
Baghaei noted that the agenda will also include the release of Iran’s frozen assets and the issuance of necessary licenses for the sale of Iranian oil by the US. He specifically mentioned that Iran expects to regain $6 billion in blocked assets currently managed by Qatar, as part of a prior agreement with Washington.
“Our $6 billion in Qatar will be returned,” Baghaei quoted Masoud Pezeshkian, an Iranian leader.
The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed that the talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, are underway. US Vice President Jay D. Vance, prior to his departure for Switzerland, outlined Washington’s main priorities in these discussions, including establishing a negotiation framework, advancing nuclear issues, and achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Vance indicated that high-level political leadership would be involved in the negotiations, while technical teams would continue to operate on the ground. The Iranian delegation traveled to Switzerland for talks regarding a potential agreement to end hostilities, with Vance leading the US side. Reports suggest that other key figures, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also part of the US delegation.
On June 18, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at concluding the conflict in the Middle East, conducted remotely. The document commits both nations to immediately cease all military operations, including actions in Lebanon, and to refrain from future threats or use of force against each other. A final agreement is expected to be reached within 60 days.
However, on June 19, it was reported that Vance postponed his planned trip to Switzerland, where direct talks involving the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan were set to take place. The Swiss foreign ministry announced that the negotiations scheduled for June 19 in Burgenstock have been delayed.
In a related context, on February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting US President Donald Trump to declare a significant military operation against Iran. He accused the Iranian government of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine. The operation aims to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, ensuring regional stability.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones toward Israel and attacking US military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The European Union reiterated its commitment to maintaining regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for allowing Iranians the opportunity to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to ensure security for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On March 1, Trump announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). In the days that followed, the IRGC declared the initiation of a “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and US bases, with Trump warning of a “very strong response” if Iran did not abandon its plans.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had candidates in mind for a “good leader.” By March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the deceased leader, as the third supreme leader of the Islamic Republic.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of attacks on Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours. He threatened to destroy key infrastructure in Iran, warning of severe consequences for the Iranian people and potential instability in the region.
On April 6, Iran presented a ten-point plan to the US and Israel for ending the conflict through Pakistan. The following day, Trump agreed to postpone military actions against Iran for two weeks, contingent upon the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that a ceasefire would be mutual, and Iran’s ten-point proposal could serve as a basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks would be possible with coordination from Iranian armed forces and consideration of technical limitations. By May 1, the US President informed Congress that military operations initiated on February 28 had ceased, although American troops would remain in the region.
On May 23, Trump reported discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain regarding a memorandum of understanding for peace with Iran. He claimed significant progress had been made toward an agreement that would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has emphasized the Lebanon conflict as a key topic in its negotiations with the US in Switzerland, alongside discussions on frozen assets and oil sales. The ongoing talks reflect broader efforts to stabilize the region and address military hostilities.
Source: Al Jazeera