Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, announced the postponement of a planned meeting between Iranian and US delegations in Switzerland. Baghaei mentioned ongoing consultations for the next phase of talks through mediators, with a new date to be set once conditions are met. The delay comes as part of the preparations for another meeting in the near future.
Baghaei clarified that the start of negotiations, as per the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, hinges on fulfilling various provisions. These include ending the war and military operations on all fronts, lifting the US naval blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for vessel passage free of charge for 60 days, granting waivers for Iran’s exports, and releasing Iranian frozen assets.
The initial purpose of the meeting, scheduled for Friday, was to sign the MoU and discuss arrangements for the final agreement talks. However, the urgency diminished after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump electronically signed the document earlier. Baghaei dismissed claims of inviting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for nuclear facility inspections, stating that discussions on Iran’s nuclear program are slated within 60 days under the MoU.
Under the MoU, Iran commits to maintaining its current nuclear status quo, limiting IAEA inspections to facilities like the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Access to previously restricted sites due to US and Israeli attacks will be contingent on the negotiation process and its outcomes. The MoU, finalizing efforts to end the regional war, was reached by Iran, the United States, and Pakistan after weeks of negotiations following joint attacks by Israel and the US on Iranian cities.
