U.S.-Iran Working-Level Talks Canceled: A Rocky Start

[Anchor]

With the leaders of the United States and Iran officially signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on peace negotiations, a 60-day period for main talks has begun. However, contrary to the sudden signing, follow-up negotiations are signaling difficulties from the very start. Let’s connect to the scene for more details.

Kwon Yeongin, you are reporting that the working-level talks scheduled for today, June 19, have been canceled, is that correct?

[Reporter]

Yes, that is correct.

I am currently in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, where the U.S. and Iran were set to hold working-level negotiations.

Just yesterday, the atmosphere was tense with the talks appearing imminent, as air traffic was completely banned and access was restricted within a 46km radius.

However, the Swiss government officially confirmed a short while ago that the working-level talks scheduled for today have been canceled.

Both the Iranian and U.S. delegations postponed their travel plans to Switzerland, and no date has been announced for when they might be rescheduled.

The issue appears to stem from the situation in Lebanon.

Reports have emerged that Iran raised concerns with the U.S. and mediating countries, claiming that Israel is violating the agreement to immediately cease hostilities in Lebanon.

Even after the signing of the peace MOU, casualties continue to mount in Lebanon due to clashes between the Israeli military and the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah.

Vice President Vance issued a strong warning to Israel, which is refusing to withdraw from Lebanon and has become a stumbling block from the start of the main negotiations.

[J.D. Vance / U.S. Vice President: Those in Israel who think President Trump is the problem need to wake up and realize the reality that Israel is facing.]

[Anchor]

There are numerous sensitive challenges, and the atmosphere seems ominous from the beginning, doesn't it?

[Reporter]

Yes, that is correct.

The main negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have a 60-day deadline, ending on August 16.

If they fail to reach an agreement on the disposal and verification of nuclear materials within that timeframe, there could be no progress on the nuclear issue, while Iran alone could benefit from measures like imposing tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leading to chaos in global energy transport once again.

As criticism grows over a rushed agreement, the U.S. is emphasizing that rewards are only possible if Iran keeps its promises and changes its behavior first.

However, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has publicly declared that Iran will not accept excessive demands from the U.S. during the main negotiations.

Meanwhile, Iran has begun accepting applications from ships wishing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz via the Strait of Hormuz Authority, which was established following the recent war.

Twenty-four South Korean vessels have also applied, and it appears our ships will follow the transit schedules and routes determined by Iranian authorities.

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