"Working-Level Talks in Switzerland Today"... 60-Day Countdown Begins

[Anchor]

A 60-day negotiation period has begun following the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war between the United States and Iran. While Switzerland announced that 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, so the situation warrants further observation.

Kwon Yeongin reports from Switzerland.

[Reporter]

U.S. Vice President J.D. 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 deadline for August 16. By that date, the two sides must reach a conclusion on key issues, including the disposal of highly enriched uranium and the establishment of verification and monitoring systems.

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

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

[J.D. 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 planned signing ceremony between the U.S. and Iran became uncertain; it now appears that the process will move directly to working-level talks without a formal ceremony.

Regarding this, Vance noted that while 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 today as promised in the resort town of Bürgenstock.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.