HA Viewpoint: As the end of the month approaches, signals from both Washington and Islamabad suggest that technical-level talks between the US and Iran are set to resume. However, the core issue of verification remains a major point of contention.
On the 24th, officials from both the United States and Pakistan confirmed that these technical negotiations would continue by month’s end. Meanwhile, US President Trump emphasized during an interview that US personnel would be involved in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities. In contrast, Iranian officials stated that Tehran has no current plans to allow IAEA access to the areas where nuclear facilities and materials were previously attacked.
Security personnel were seen on duty near the negotiation venue in Gstaad, Switzerland, on June 22.
Rubio: Technical US-Iran Talks to Resume at Month’s End
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in Kuwait City on the 24th that technical negotiations between the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume by the end of the month, with Switzerland likely hosting the talks.
Speaking to reporters before departing Kuwait for Bahrain, Rubio stressed that the US approach to the Iran issue would not compromise the security of its Gulf allies. “We are in complete alignment with our partners in the Gulf region,” he stated.
Earlier that day, Tahir Andrabi, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the technical talks would continue on the 30th. Pakistan and Qatar’s technical teams will maintain close contact with their US and Iranian counterparts over the coming weeks to ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding previously signed by Washington and Tehran.
Trump: US Will Participate in IAEA Verification of Iran
US President Trump told Fox News on the 24th that American personnel would participate in the IAEA’s inspection activities regarding Iranian nuclear facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi (front left) spoke at a special session of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Austria, on March 2.
Addressing Iranian claims that they are not currently allowing IAEA access to attacked nuclear sites, Trump responded skeptically. “They will make an agreement, put it in writing, and then go back on their word, claiming it wasn’t true,” he said.
Trump added, “They have already agreed to allow inspectors in.” He also noted that the US is not in a rush to have inspectors deployed to Iran immediately.
On the Iranian side, Deputy Foreign Minister Ghassemi posted on social media on the 24th that the issue of inspecting attacked nuclear facilities and materials could only be discussed and decided within the framework of a final agreement, and only after the other party effectively terminates all sanctions. He reiterated that Iran currently has no plans to permit IAEA entry into the affected nuclear facilities and material zones.
Israeli Strike in Southern Lebanon Leaves Two Dead
According to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) on the 24th, an Israeli military attack on a moving car near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon resulted in two fatalities.
A source from Lebanon’s security sector revealed that an Israeli drone fired a missile at the vehicle, killing two people instantly.
Following the attack, the Lebanese army and security forces sealed off the scene, and the bodies of the victims were transported to a hospital in Nabatieh.
