Swiss talks establish communication channel with Iran — Vance

LONDON, June 25. /TASS/. Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, resulted in the establishment of a communication channel between the two sides, US Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with the British news outlet UnHerd.

"One of the things we wanted to come out with was a channel on the Iranian side [for reducing conflict]. Which we did," he said.

Vance added that the parties also made very good progress on Lebanon and discussed the development of a deconfliction mechanism for the country.

"They’re certainly talking differently than they have in the past. There’s a whole host of reasons why that’s true. But whether the action will follow, whether the final deal actually meets some of what they’re promising in general terms -- that’s what we have to figure out," the US vice president added.

On June 17, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. A formal signing ceremony had initially been scheduled to take place in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on June 19. However, it was announced on June 18 that the document had been signed remotely.

On June 21, US-Iran talks on implementing the memorandum of understanding were held in Burgenstock with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan. According to a joint statement issued by the mediators after the first round of talks, the meeting between Iranian and US representatives took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere. Encouraging progress was achieved, including the creation of a framework for further technical negotiations.