On June 21, US and Iranian delegations held high-level technical negotiations in the Swiss town of Burgenstock, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The meeting followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart via electronic means on June 18.
The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The US delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also attended.
Ahead of the talks, Mr. Vance expressed hope for progress on the nuclear issue and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the Iranian delegation "will push for implementation" of US commitments under the MoU and "seek clarity on how the other side intends to fulfill those commitments."
The Lebanon Issue Dominates
A ceasefire in Lebanon is expected to consume most of the first day's agenda. On June 20, Israeli forces continued attacks on Lebanon, killing dozens despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The first clause of the MoU states that the US and Iran agree to "an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon," and commit to ensuring "the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon." However, the text does not mention Israel, which currently occupies one-fifth of Lebanese territory.
Analyst Ross Harrison of the Middle East Institute noted that Iran believes the US has an obligation to restrain Israel, even though Israel is not a signatory. "If the US cannot impose its will on Israel to comply with the ceasefire, that would be a violation between Iran and the US," he said.
The Nuclear Issue
During the technical phase, Iran's nuclear program is a key topic. The US demands that Iran not possess, purchase, or develop nuclear weapons, and even lack the capability to do so. Iran insists its program is for civilian purposes and is ready to negotiate limits if sanctions are lifted.
Strait of Hormuz and Economic Pressure
On June 21, Iran announced it would again close the Strait of Hormuz due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, but US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that maritime traffic remained open, with 55 commercial vessels passing through that day, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil. President Trump stated he would not impose a toll on the strait during the 60-day ceasefire, unless the US decides otherwise.
Advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, Mohammad Mokhber, warned that Tehran will not accept a paper agreement and that Washington must fully implement its commitments. "Americans understand the language of economics and cost-benefit better than others," he wrote on X. "If the agreement remains only on paper, the flow of energy in the Middle East will also stop."
