Working-Level Talks Begin in Switzerland: The Start of a '60-Day Negotiation'

[Anchor]

The 60-day negotiation period, following the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war between the United States and Iran, has begun. While Switzerland announced that the working-level talks between the two sides would proceed as scheduled today (June 19), U.S. Vice President Vance has mentioned the possibility of a delay, suggesting that the situation requires further observation.

Kwon Yeongin reports from Switzerland.

[Reporter]

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that with President Trump's signing of the memorandum of understanding to end the war, the 60-day negotiation window with Iran began yesterday.

This sets the 60-day deadline for August 16. By then, the two sides must reach a conclusion on core issues, including the disposal of highly enriched uranium and the establishment of verification and monitoring systems.

Following the release of the MOU, the deal faced intense criticism even from the U.S. conservative camp, which labeled it a failed negotiation. Seemingly conscious of this, Vance emphasized that restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have been lifted, allowing 12.5 million barrels of crude oil to pass through the Persian Gulf overnight.

He also drew a line, stating that the promised compensation to Iran would only be implemented if Iran fulfills the agreement and changes its behavior.

[JD Vance / U.S. Vice President: We have currently driven them into an economic stalemate, and we will not lift sanctions until they fundamentally change their behavior.]

Because President Trump expedited the signing of the MOU, the status of the signing ceremony between the U.S. and Iran had been uncertain; it now appears that the process will move directly into working-level talks without a formal ceremony.

Regarding this, Vance said that while the working-level negotiations are scheduled to begin this weekend, there is a possibility of a slight delay.

Meanwhile, the Swiss government, which has been preparing the venue for the U.S.-Iran negotiations, announced that the working-level talks involving delegations from the U.S., Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan will begin as planned today in the resort town of Bürgenstock.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.