US hopes for technical talks with Iran as soon as possible

Washington - The United States hopes to begin technical talks with Iran as soon as possible, even though US Vice President J.D. Vance’s trip to Switzerland has been cancelled, the White House said. “We hope to begin technical talks as soon as possible,” a White House spokesperson said on Thursday (18/6) local time. Vance stated that his planned trip to Switzerland for a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with Iran remains on track and the visit may take place this weekend. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its response to the initial plan for a signing ceremony in Switzerland, stated that the draft memorandum of understanding had actually already been signed by the presidents of both countries and that no formal signing ceremony was necessary. Nevertheless, Iran confirmed it will still participate in talks with the United States. The draft agreement gives both countries 60 days to negotiate a final deal regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and US sanctions. In addition, the draft memorandum also sets a schedule for the United States to lift its maritime blockade and for Iran to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.