Working-Level Talks Conclude, but Differences Remain on Nuclear Inspections and Frozen Assets

[Anchor]

Following the high-level talks between the United States and Iran, the first round of working-level negotiations has concluded after just one day. The two sides remain at odds, with the U.S. prioritizing the nuclear issue while Iran focuses on the lifting of sanctions and economic recovery. We now connect to our correspondent in Switzerland.

Kwon Yeongin, the working-level talks ended earlier than expected, didn't they?

[Reporter]

That is correct.

Although it was initially stated that the working-level talks would continue throughout this week, they concluded after just one day, and the negotiating teams are now departing one after another.

The barricades that were set up here have also been removed.

The results announced from the first round of working-level talks include an agreement to establish four working groups—focusing on the termination of sanctions, nuclear issues, reconstruction and economic development, and monitoring and implementation. These groups will be overseen by a high-level committee involving U.S. Vice President Vance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, and the prime ministers of Pakistan and Qatar.

[Anchor]

It seems the gap between the two sides regarding the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions remains significant. What is the situation?

[Reporter]

Before departing Switzerland, U.S. Vice President Vance emphasized that Iran has agreed to accept nuclear inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

[JD Vance/U.S. Vice President: In particular, the news that we Americans welcome most is that Iran has agreed to allow the re-entry of IAEA inspection teams.]

However, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson countered this, stating that they have agreed to inspections at the Bushehr nuclear facility, a commercial nuclear power plant, rather than the "enriched uranium" facilities that the U.S. is seeking to eliminate.

Furthermore, Iran announced that following the authorization of crude oil exports for 60 days, $12 billion in frozen assets has also been released.

The U.S. has been emphasizing, particularly to the American media, that this money will be used to purchase U.S. agricultural products. However, Iran has dismissed this, stating there is no such obligation.

Consequently, criticism is mounting within the U.S. that sanctions on Iran were lifted too hastily, and that Iran stands to earn $10 billion from the 60-day crude oil export authorization.

[Anchor]

How is the Lebanon issue, a major variable in the negotiations, being viewed?

[Reporter]

During the first round of high-level talks, the U.S. and Iran agreed to establish a de-escalation mechanism to resolve the Lebanon issue. Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is deeply shocked by this development.

Netanyahu is currently engaged in an all-out diplomatic effort toward the U.S. to ensure Israel's position is upheld, so it remains to be seen whether this de-escalation mechanism will be able to function as intended.

(Reported by Kim Si-nae | Video by Chae Cheol-ho)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.