The head of the Iranian delegation, Kazem Gharibabadi, announces the conclusion of expert-level talks with Washington in Switzerland

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 23-06-2026

The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the expert negotiating delegation, Kazem Gharibabadi, announced that an agreement has been reached among the four parties participating in the expert consultations regarding the arrangements and mechanisms for the next phase of ongoing negotiations with the United States in Switzerland.

This came following the conclusion of a round of talks that witnessed specialized discussions on issues related to the nuclear file and sanctions relief mechanisms. It was agreed to form specialized expert working groups to

follow up on the tabled files, foremost among which are the nuclear program and the sanctions imposed on Tehran.

Specialized Working Groups Established Under International Oversight

Gharibabadi told Iranian state television that the talks among the four countries were held following the meeting of the High Committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The meeting lasted from Sunday until the early hours of Monday and focused on defining the mechanisms for implementing both the memorandum and the final statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting.

He added that the upcoming negotiations will be conducted under the supervision of the High Committee, with the participation of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Iranian Foreign Minister, the Vice President of the United States, and the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Qatar.

He noted that the parties had agreed to establish four specialized working groups responsible for sanctions relief, the nuclear program, reconstruction and economic development, as well as monitoring and implementation mechanisms. These groups will submit periodic reports to the High Committee.

Security Coordination for the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon

Gharibabadi also announced significant security understandings, including an agreement to establish a joint contact point among the countries participating in the Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

In addition, the parties agreed to create a special unit aimed at preventing escalation in Lebanon, with the participation of the member states as well as Pakistan and Qatar.

The heads of the technical delegations from the four countries will be responsible for overseeing the activities of the working groups and the joint units.

Authorization for Iranian Oil Sales and Release of Frozen Assets

On the financial and trade front, Gharibabadi stated that the talks had completed the necessary procedures for the issuance of a general license authorizing the sale of Iranian

crude oil, petrochemical products, petroleum derivatives, and all related services. He noted that the U.S. side had already issued the license and published it through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

He further added that the parties had agreed to begin the immediate implementation of the understandings concerning the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The funds are to be released in two equal installments, each amounting to $6 billion.

It is worth noting that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had previously announced that the negotiations held in Switzerland resulted in mutual understandings and joint mechanisms with the United States regarding the safeguarding of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ghalibaf added that it had been decided to establish a coordination center to facilitate the return of Lebanese citizens to their homes and to oversee the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the country.

He further stated that a Lebanon Coordination Center would also be created to address and resolve any disputes arising from violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Tuesday that the outcome of the negotiations with the United States depends on the precise implementation of the commitments reached during the talks. He warned that “statements outside the agreed framework” do not help advance the negotiation process.

His remarks came one day after the Iranian negotiating delegation departed from Switzerland following the conclusion of an intensive round of talks that lasted more than 18 hours, according to the delegation’s spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei.