US-Iran meeting announced for Sunday

On Wednesday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a framework agreement aimed at ending hostilities with Iran during a banquet marking the conclusion of the G7 summit at Versailles Castle. Shortly after, Iranian President Masoud Peseschkian displayed the signed agreement on state television. The document, which has been anticipated for some time, outlines steps intended to pave the way for a lasting peace between the two nations. Multiple leading U.S. media outlets published the content of the agreement late into Thursday night. Initially, there were discrepancies among the circulating versions, but a text comprising thirteen points has now emerged as the most likely version. Many elements within this text were already known—such as the commitment to negotiate a final peace treaty within 60 days—but the formulations contain several surprises.

The agreement includes provisions that explicitly involve "all allies in the current conflict" and apply to "all fronts, including in Lebanon." It emphasizes the need to ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. This point is particularly notable given that Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive in the neighboring country for months. Israel's government stated that it would not relinquish occupied territories in Lebanon and would not accept any directives regarding its own offensive, as no Israeli representative was included in the negotiations. Due to the wording of the agreement, Iran might view future Israeli attacks in Lebanon as violations of the accord.

Several sections of the agreement appear to favor Iran significantly. Both sides have committed to refraining from interfering in each other’s internal affairs. This could make it less likely for the U.S. government to criticize the Iranian regime's harsh treatment of critics, such as the recent crackdown on demonstrators in January, when thousands of civilians were killed during pro-democracy protests. Additionally, the points concerning the opening of the Strait of Hormuz provide Tehran with more flexibility. The United States pledged to lift its naval blockade within 30 days and withdraw its warships, allowing Iranian maritime traffic to return to pre-war levels. While Iran is also required to lift its blockade, clear the strait of mines, and guarantee free passage for commercial ships—for 60 days—the text suggests that Iran will manage the strait in coordination with Oman and other Gulf states.

The remaining points serve as intentions for subsequent negotiations. However, they carry significant implications: the U.S. commits to developing a plan for transferring all frozen Iranian funds and lifting sanctions against Iran. Before this occurs, the U.S. intends to issue special permits for Iranian crude oil exports immediately. Furthermore, Iran is set to receive $300 billion in reparations payments. The source of these funds remains unclear, though Trump clarified that it would not come from the U.S., suggesting it might originate from Gulf countries. A major concession from Iran is found in point eight: a commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons and to dilute enriched uranium under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The exact procedures will be negotiated over the next 60 days—an extremely short timeframe.

Following the signing of the framework agreement, discussions about its implementation are set to continue. Originally planned for Friday, a meeting between Iranian and U.S. representatives was canceled, but talks are now scheduled for Sunday in Switzerland, according to Pakistan. New disputes have arisen, with Iran announcing plans to once again close the Strait of Hormus in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, while the U.S. military denied these claims. According to reports, the talks will include representatives from Qatar, along with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Marshal Syed Asim Munir. U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner had arrived in Switzerland earlier in the week. Vance himself landed in Switzerland on Saturday morning aboard a flight to the military airfield in Emmen near Lucerne.

An Iranian delegation, including Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araktschi, reportedly traveled to Switzerland to discuss the agreement with the U.S. Security measures have been heightened in the Swiss town of Bürgenstock due to the planned U.S.-Iran meeting. The framework agreement was signed on Wednesday by both Iran and the U.S., stipulating a ceasefire throughout the region, including Lebanon. Tehran insisted that the agreement with the U.S. should include a halt to fighting in Lebanon. Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in effect since Friday, fighting resumed on Saturday following Israeli airstrikes. Lebanese media reported at least 35 deaths from the attacks, with further casualties reported on Sunday. Israel and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The Lebanese army accused Israel of preventing any solution that could restore stability in the country.

Israel previously accused Hezbollah of launching dozens of rockets against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire. In response, Israeli forces attacked Hezbollah rocket sites, weapon depots, and command centers. Hezbollah claimed it was responding to an Israeli troop advance. All accounts remain unverified at present. A spokesperson for the Israeli army said that the armed forces received updated instructions from political leadership regarding the ceasefire but would continue to act defensively within the security zone in southern Lebanon. The U.S. military denied Iran's claim of closing the Strait of Hormus, stating that the closure was not accurate.