U.S. and Iran Agree to Form Working Groups on Sanctions and Nuclear Issues

Iranian and U.S. officials held technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 22 and agreed to form two working groups within days to address the removal of sanctions against Iran and issues related to Iranian nuclear activities. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the discussions the previous day had been productive.

He stated that the groups would focus on sanctions relief and nuclear matters as the sides work toward a permanent agreement. The United States and Iran signed an interim deal last week to end more than three months of conflict. Mediators Pakistan and Qatar said the sides agreed at the Buergenstock, Switzerland, talks on a roadmap toward a permanent agreement within 60 days.

The United States waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days starting June 22. About $12 billion in Iranian assets is expected to be released under the initial accord, according to Reuters. Iran's frozen assets largely consist of oil revenues and central bank reserves trapped overseas.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on June 22 that the U.S. and Qatar would control the unfrozen funds and that the money could be spent on U.S. corn, soy and wheat. He added that the proposal had been put forward by Jared Kushner.

Bahreini rejected those claims on June 23. He stated that Iran alone will decide how to use its assets and that no other country would have influence over decisions regarding the funds or related purchases. Bahreini said technical arrangements would be made by Washington and Doha because the assets were frozen by the U.S.

And some are held in Qatar.