United States

Vance says US-Iran talks lay ‘good foundation’ for final peace deal

Technical talks are due to continue for the rest of this week

US Vice-President JD Vance (centre) and White House envoy Jared Kushner (left) at the US-Iran talks in the Buergenstock resort in Switzerland on Jun 21.

Fresh Trump threat angers Teheran, as US-Iran peace talks open in Switzerland

The Iranian delegation halted talks over Trump’s latest threat and refused to return, reported Iranian media

The schism between US President Donald Trump (left) and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni came somewhat unprompted on the heels of an otherwise jolly G7 gathering.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Italian PM Meloni’s G7 photo spat with Trump shows readiness to risk a bigger fight

The choice between appeasing the US president or playing along is one many allies have agonised over

Knowing that Trump will be reluctant to restart the military campaign – and thus spark fresh economic turmoil – eases the pressure for Iran to end the talks quickly.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Trump’s fears about economy undercut US leverage in Iran talks

The problem for the US is that the deal was skewed in Iran’s favour, giving the country broad gains before the next round of talks even begin

The Iran war has killed at least 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. I

US, Iran envoys head for talks, Israeli strikes continue after ceasefire

A halt to the fighting in Lebanon is a condition for starting 60 days of US-Iranian talks

The postponement of talks represents a blow to US President Donald Trump, who signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.

US and Iran delay nuclear talks as Lebanon clashes worsen

Fighting in Lebanon was deadlier than usual, with the Israeli military saying four of its soldiers were killed

US Vice-President JD Vance emphasised the US believes “international waterways should be free of tolls”. 

Vance leaves shippers in the dark on potential Iran Hormuz toll

Trump said that Hormuz will be toll free during the first 60 days and thereafter

Some of the sharpest criticism of the agreement has involved reports that the Trump administration has agreed to release frozen Iranian assets.

‘Worst foreign policy blunder in decades’: US Republicans blast Trump’s Iran agreement as details emerge

Criticism was a rare rebuke from party members who have mostly offered full loyalty to the president