What did Iran gain from the latest US-Iran talks? Ghalibaf explains key outcomes

The US and Iran have moved closer to closing in the final deal, aiming to bring stability to the Middle East on all fronts including Lebanon.

The recent high-level talks between Tehran and Washington mediated by Pakistan and Qatar concluded at Burgenstock in Switzerland on Monday on a positive note.

The top negotiators on both sides hailed these talks. The mediators viewed this meeting a “step towards encouraging progress.” Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the results as "major progress" toward ending the conflict in Lebanon.

Similarly, US Vice President JD Vance hailed “great progress” in negotiations with Iran. Vance said, “We laid a very good foundation for a successful final deal. We haven’t built the house, but we’ve laid a successful foundation to get to a good place for the American people.”

“We are going to set up a structure for that (technical talks) so you can have proper political oversight,” Vance added.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also signalled towards “good achievements” in US-Iran talks.

Strategic Outcomes for Iran in the recent US-Iran talks

According to Ghalibaf, “In my view, this trip had good achievements, especially regarding the discussion of the strait, the Lebanon discussions, the question of oil waiver, and the matter of releasing the frozen funds, which is one of the steps we are taking forward. Of course, we believe we are still at the beginning of this work and must continue our efforts.”

Unfrozen assets

Iran is successful in securing the two tranches of $6 billion in frozen funds for humanitarian spending. Vance stated that a process, spearheaded by Jared Kushner, would ensure that unfrozen Iranian funds are used specifically to purchase US agricultural goods like corn, soy, and wheat.

Sanctions relief

The Trump administration announced a temporary easing of sanctions to allow the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemicals until August 21 and receive the payment for them.

Lebanon issue

Speaking about Lebanon, Ghalibaf said that the both sides have agreed to establish a coordination center to handle this issue effectively. The purpose of this center will be to address any disputes aimed at averting a war and allowing people to get back to their normal lives.

“It is to ensure that the areas occupied by Israel are vacated, and that Lebanon’s national sovereignty is respected”.

But Israel has asserted to maintain a security zone in the war-battered country, southern Lebanon, to neutralize the threats.

Administration of Strait of Hormuz

According to Iran’s top negotiator, the Strait of Hormuz would be administered by Iran in any permanent deal with the US.

He added, “everyone should know that the administration of the strait will never return to the way it was before the war.”

“We agreed to establish coordination mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz, including a hotline and a centre that can be contacted whenever there is any ambiguity or dispute.”

Contested Issues

Nuclear negotiations

Vance remarked that IAEA nuclear inspectors would return to Iran to ensure the country’s compliance with the preliminary agreement stipulated in the MoU. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and other state media outlets have explicitly denied that any new commitments regarding the nuclear program have been made.

Trump said in a post ​on Truth Social on Monday that Iran ⁠will agree to have weapons inspections to ensure "nuclear honesty."

"If Iran doesn't live up to their agreement, or if they're not behaving, I will do what I have to do," Trump later told reporters.

Use of unfrozen assets

Iran’s Central Bank Governor stated there is no such obligation to use funds only to buy US goods. According to the governor, the first tranche can be used to buy medicine and basic goods and the remaining one “will not necessarily be spent on basic goods, but Iran can also purchase other non-sanctioned goods.”

What happens next?

• According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, the next phase of talks between Iran and US will be initiated under the supervision of “the high-level committee that includes Ghalibaf, Araghchi and Vance.”
• He also talked about the establishment of four working groups, including

1. Sanctions termination
2. Nuclear file
3. Reconstruction and economic development
4. Implementation of MoU

• A new round of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon will be started in Washington on Tuesday.
• According to a US State Department official and reported by AFP the purpose of the fifth round of talks “will be to end the cycle of violence for good” and “advance a comprehensive peace and security agreement”.