Vance: Peace Talks with Iran Establish Good Foundation for Permanent Agreement

Foundation for Lasting Peace

U.S. Vice President James David Vance confirmed on Monday, June 22, that the peace talks with Iran in Switzerland have established a good foundation for a successful permanent agreement to end the war that began in late February. He compared the final deal to a house for which the foundation has been laid, but the house itself is not yet built.

The talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations began on Sunday and continued until early Monday morning. They were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Although the discussions were complex, the parties agreed on several issues.

Potential Asset Release

Vance revealed that the U.S. administration might agree to release frozen Iranian assets with the condition that the money would be used to purchase American soybeans, corn, and wheat for the Iranian people. This idea was proposed by Jared Kushner along with Qatari officials, and Qatar would verify such a process.

Technical Talks to Continue

Mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced that while high-level talks have concluded, technical discussions will continue this week in Switzerland. The mediators praised the "inspiring progress" made, including mechanisms to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that a ceasefire is respected between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.

Trump's Warnings

U.S. President Donald Trump did not attend the talks, but he issued warnings to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on social media and in a Fox News phone interview, threatening a strong strike if Iran does not immediately stop supporting Hezbollah.

Nuclear Program and Other Issues

The interim agreement to end hostilities includes a 60-day period for negotiations on the future of Tehran's nuclear program, as well as frozen assets and other complex issues. Iran insists that the fighting in Lebanon must end first. The ceasefire renewed on Saturday in Lebanon appears to be holding, and Israel lifted movement restrictions near the border.