The United States has agreed to partially lift oil sanctions on Iran and release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The decision followed an 18-hour negotiation in Switzerland, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that Iran will be allowed to sell oil and petrochemical products until August 1.

According to negotiators, the move came after Iran showed serious commitments on nuclear issues and agreed to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Donald Trump stated that the released funds would be used to purchase U.S.-made goods, a claim rejected by Iran’s central bank, which insisted Tehran has no obligation to buy American agricultural products.

Ghalibaf defended the talks amid domestic criticism, saying the delegation went to Switzerland to help stop bloodshed in Lebanon. Vice President Vance noted that Iran had made significant concessions, including allowing nuclear inspectors into the country for the first time in years.

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under the administrative supervision of the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with international law. His remarks came after the first round of talks between Iran and the United States held in Switzerland, according to Iranian state media.

Following the discussions, both countries agreed to establish a direct communication system to keep the vital maritime route open and to work toward ending the conflict in Lebanon. Ghalibaf described the talks at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort as productive, citing progress on issues including the Hormuz Strait, the Lebanon conflict, easing of sanctions on Iranian oil, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The United States temporarily suspended some oil sanctions after the talks, while Tehran agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country.

Ghalibaf emphasized that this was only the beginning of further efforts. After the Swiss meetings, he also visited Oman, another coastal state bordering the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has described the recent talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland as a success, saying the discussions produced significant achievements. He said the dialogue covered key topics including the Hormuz Strait, the situation in Lebanon, suspension of oil sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Ghalibaf confirmed that two installments totaling six billion dollars of previously blocked funds have already been released.

He noted that while no final agreement has yet been reached, sanctions on Iran’s oil sector remain in place. However, he said Iran has now secured temporary relief allowing oil sales and banking operations, with related agreements signed. On Lebanon, Ghalibaf said both sides agreed to establish a coordination center to manage disputes and prevent renewed conflict, ensure normal life for citizens, and uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Regarding the Hormuz Strait, Ghalibaf stated that its management will not return to pre-war conditions and that a coordination mechanism, including a hotline and a center, has been agreed to handle any future misunderstandings or disputes.

The United States has granted Iran permission to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in several decades, enabling Tehran to export crude to American buyers. According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision has already led to a decline in global oil prices. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iranian officials have agreed to allow nuclear inspectors to return to the country this week, a move seen as a major concession by Iran.

The report added that optimism over progress in ongoing talks to end the US-Iran conflict contributed to a 3.3 percent drop in Brent crude prices, bringing them below 78 dollars per barrel. The development marks a significant shift in the long-strained economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

If sustained, the easing of restrictions could reshape global energy markets and signal a broader thaw in US-Iran relations, though the long-term impact remains to be seen.

Iran has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, according to US Vice President JD Vance. Speaking in Switzerland, Vance said the first round of talks between the United States and Iran made significant progress toward a final peace agreement. A 14-point memorandum signed last week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian includes commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.

A joint statement from mediators Qatar and Pakistan confirmed that both sides agreed on a 60-day roadmap to reach a final deal. Vance described the talks as a strong foundation and called the nuclear progress a major milestone for the American people and a first step toward permanently halting Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to resume inspections this week.

The memorandum also involves IAEA oversight of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the establishment of a permanent communication line to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. A special cell has been formed to coordinate efforts to halt military operations in Lebanon.

At a meeting held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, Iran refused to participate in a handshake and joint photo session with the United States delegation, creating a diplomatic embarrassment for Washington. According to reports from Al Jazeera and Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the organizers had arranged a courtesy meeting and photo opportunity between the two delegations, but the Iranian side declined from the outset. As a result, the planned photo session and live broadcast were canceled.

Sources linked to the meeting said the Iranian representatives avoided the media, entering the conference room only after journalists had left. The US delegation reportedly requested an additional five minutes to allow the media to exit before the Iranians arrived. Iran’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accompanied by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other senior officials.

Analysts cited in the reports suggested that Tehran’s refusal to engage in customary diplomatic gestures was a deliberate signal of its firm political stance toward Washington, reflecting the long-standing tension between the two nations.

Iran has declared victory over Israel after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the war. The article argues that despite Israel’s efforts to draw the Trump administration into conflict, the outcome left Israel defeated and Iran’s government intact. The memorandum reportedly strengthened Iran’s position, preserving its sovereignty over nuclear knowledge and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The commentary criticizes pro-Israel voices in U.S. media, particularly columnist Bret Stephens, for promoting aggressive narratives against Iran. It claims that Israel’s military actions, including bombings of civilian and cultural sites, failed to achieve their goals. The piece portrays the war as a turning point that isolated Israel globally and boosted anti-Israel sentiment among Americans, citing surveys showing declining support for Israel and its leadership.

According to the article, the conflict revived anti-colonial nationalism within Iran and reinforced calls for civil rights and sovereignty. It concludes that Iran’s citizens must continue defending their freedoms while maintaining national unity and resisting foreign interference.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that Iranian officials and footballers are working together to protect the nation’s honor and dignity. He shared a social media post juxtaposing images of schoolgirls killed in a US-Israeli attack with a photo from the Football World Cup, emphasizing that every action by Iranians—from the football field to diplomatic talks and the battlefield—is part of a broader struggle to defend national pride.

Aragchi’s post came as mediators welcomed progress in US-Iran talks in Switzerland and as Iran drew its World Cup match against Belgium. The statement linked the country’s diplomatic and sporting efforts to a unified national cause.

Earlier, on February 28, a missile strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebah Girls School in Minab on the first day of the Iran-US war, killing about 160 people, mostly schoolgirls and teachers, according to the report.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that significant progress has been made toward ending the Lebanon war. In a social media post responding to a joint statement by Pakistan and Qatar, Araghchi credited their tireless mediation efforts for achieving this breakthrough.

He stated that sanctions on oil and petrochemical exports have been lifted, blockades removed, and some of Iran’s frozen assets released. Additionally, a major reconstruction and development plan for the country has been launched. Araghchi emphasized that the first test of this process will be the conflict avoidance cell.

The announcement, reported by Al Jazeera, highlights growing diplomatic engagement in the region involving Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar, aiming to stabilize Lebanon and ease regional tensions.

Talks between the United States and Iran held in Switzerland concluded in what mediators described as a positive and constructive atmosphere. Pakistan and Qatar, acting as mediators, announced in a joint statement that the discussions achieved encouraging progress, including agreement on a framework for future technical negotiations. The parties also decided to form a high-level committee to oversee political aspects of the mediation process, with lead negotiators reporting regularly to this body.

The committee will guide working groups on nuclear and sanctions issues and supervise implementation of the memorandum of understanding. It also agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, paving the way for immediate technical discussions. A communication line has been established to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the US and Iran agreed to create a conflict-avoidance cell with Lebanon to ensure compliance with the ceasefire there.

Iranian representative Baghaei said progress was made on oil export licensing and the release of frozen assets. Mediators confirmed that technical talks would continue at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort throughout the week.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that under a preliminary agreement with the United States aimed at ending conflict, $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in Qatar will be returned. Citing Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Pezeshkian said all clauses of the memorandum of understanding favor Iran and that the results of the negotiations will soon become clear.

He added that US President Donald Trump, who had previously spoken of imposing restrictions on Iran, has now recognized those same issues as the rights of the Iranian people. Pezeshkian also remarked that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be the most dissatisfied person with the outcome of the talks held in Switzerland.

According to Pezeshkian, the only condition set by the United States is that Iran must not possess a nuclear bomb. He reiterated that Iran has long opposed developing nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree issued by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian said Iran accepted and signed the written condition presented by the US.

Iran has announced that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon will be the main topic of discussion in its upcoming meeting with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said in a video message published by the state news agency IRNA that the Zionist regime in Lebanon continues to violate its commitments, and this issue will receive primary attention in the talks, according to Al Jazeera.

Baghaei added that the meeting will also address the release of Iran’s frozen or restricted assets and the issuance of necessary licenses for the country’s oil sales. The talks are scheduled to take place in Switzerland and are expected to cover regional security conditions, economic sanctions, and key aspects of Iran–U.S. relations.

The discussions are viewed as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage tensions and explore possible areas of cooperation between Tehran and Washington.

Iran has resumed loading crude oil from its main export hub, Kharg Island, after a pause of about six weeks. The activity restarted following the withdrawal of a US naval blockade. According to available information, three large oil tankers, each capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are currently anchored at the Sea Island terminal. Satellite images show two of the ships docked while the third is approaching.

European Union satellite data indicated that until Friday, the jetties at the terminal had remained empty, with few large vessels seen since May. Analysts suggest that after a temporary understanding with the United States reduced tensions, Iran quickly reactivated its oil export operations and supply network. Additional reports note that some tankers near Chabahar port have transported around 20 million barrels of oil.

Despite ongoing security uncertainties that have led many international ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is gradually reintroducing vessels into the Persian Gulf. Analysts believe that with at least 20 more ships waiting east of the Gulf, Iran’s oil exports may increase further in the coming days.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has drawn renewed international attention as talks on easing economic sanctions between the United States and Iran gain momentum. Reports indicate that despite years of Western restrictions, the IRGC has maintained a strong presence across key sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy, construction, ports, shipping, telecommunications, and infrastructure development.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, any potential agreement between Washington and Tehran could boost foreign investment and oil exports in Iran. However, much of this economic activity is expected to flow through existing domestic networks where the IRGC holds significant influence. Analysts suggest that IRGC-linked companies could become essential partners for foreign investors due to Iran’s joint-venture business structure.

Experts warn that while sanctions relief could expand IRGC-affiliated business networks, Western companies may face legal and diplomatic risks because several countries classify the IRGC as a banned or terrorist organization. The potential deal could therefore reshape both Iran’s political relations and its internal economic power balance.

Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s deadly attack in southern Lebanon. The country’s central military command stated that the move was a response to what it described as a breach of an agreement with the United States. According to a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, all ship movements through the strait will remain suspended until further notice.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the closure was the first step in response to what it called enemy violations, warning that further measures could follow if aggression continues. Iran accused Israel’s recent actions of severely undermining regional stability and violating previous understandings. The report noted that neither the United States nor Israel had issued an immediate reaction.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital route for global oil and gas shipments. Analysts suggest the closure could heighten concerns over international energy supply and global trade stability.