Talks between the US and Iran have begun in Switzerland, with Iran’s negotiating team including parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks come as Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz due to Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon.
US-Iran Deal
The US and Iran signed an interim agreement earlier in the week, which calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and for the country’s sovereignty to be respected. However, Iran’s joint military command said the strait was closed because of the US’s ‘clear breach of its commitments’ by failing to end the war.
Iran’s team departs for talks as uncertainty grows, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bagahei signaling that little might happen in talks until Iran feels the US is living up to the deal. Negotiations toward a final agreement will begin only once key commitments are upheld, Bagahei said.
Israel-Lebanon Conflict
Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed at least 16 people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The conflict could sink the US-Iran deal, with Iran saying it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Israel announces publicly that it will comply with a ‘comprehensive ceasefire’ in Lebanon.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
