A lot of “good progress” was made during the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday afternoon, following the conclusion of the talks and the reported departure of the Iranian delegation.
He noted that the Strait of Hormuz is open, and that a “good foundation for a successful final deal” has been laid.
Speaking on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Vance said that while “we want Israel's security to be protected, we also want Lebanon's sovereignty to be protected,” while acknowledging that it will be an “ongoing conversation.”
“All parties want a regional ceasefire,” he said.
Regarding the frozen Iranian assets expected to be given back to Tehran under the deal, Vance said that the United States wanted to set up a process where “we want money to fund citizens, not terrorism.”
Technical talks will continue over the next few days and weeks to come, Vance affirmed.
On the nuclear program, Vance noted that the Iranians have formally agreed to invite inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) back to their nuclear sites.
On Thursday, The Associated Press reported that US envoy Steve Witkoff told US officials in a private briefing that Iran will invite the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency to inspect its nuclear sites and begin work on identifying enriched material sites.
"Nuclear inspections will start possibly this week," Vance said, but could be "as soon as today."
First day of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland concludes
The conclusion of the first session of talks was announced in a joint statement on Monday morning by mediators Qatar and Pakistan.
According to the two countries, the talks were conducted in a "positive and constructive atmosphere," despite reports of the Iranian delegation walking out of negotiations on Sunday night in protest at US President Donald Trump's threats to resume strikes unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
Additionally, both Iran and the US have agreed to establish a High-Level Committee for political oversight during future talks, said the joint statement.
Chief negotiators will regularly report to the committee on the status of negotiations, which has agreed to establish a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days.
The US and Iran also agreed to the creation of a “deconfliction cell,” through which the termination of Israeli military operations in Lebanon would be assured.