politics
U.S. and Iran hold initial talks in Switzerland on nuclear issues and Lebanon
Vice President Vance met Iranian officials in Switzerland after a memorandum of understanding was released last week. The U.S. Treasury lifted 60-day restrictions on Iranian oil sales, while negotiators face deadlines on nuclear inspections and the situation in Lebanon.
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U.S. and Iranian officials held an initial round of talks in Switzerland after a 14-point memorandum of understanding was released last week. The discussions focused on Iran's nuclear program and the conflict in Lebanon. The U.S. Treasury Department lifted restrictions for 60 days on the sale of Iranian oil, allowing exports to resume at market value.
Oil prices fell to around $75 a barrel, and the national average gasoline price dropped to $3.93 per gallon.
Israeli position More than 4,100 people have been killed in Lebanon since early March, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, while Iranian officials expressed concern over the U.S. position on the issue.
Next steps and deadlines Technical negotiations will continue without the vice president and the Iranian parliament speaker, who both left Switzerland. The sides have 60 days to address questions about uranium enrichment, inspections, and the terms of any final agreement.
