U.S. and Iran reach preliminary deal to end Lebanon War, begin nuclear talks

Jun 21, 2026

The United States and Iran conclude their first round of high-level talks in Switzerland, establishing a 60-day roadmap toward a final peace agreement. While the U.S. Treasury issues a 60-day oil sanctions waiver and discusses releasing six billion dollars in frozen assets, significant tensions remain. Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz over ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon.

U.S.-Iran Switzerland negotiations

▪The United States and Iran concluded their first round of high-level negotiations in Switzerland, agreeing to a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal.
▪The United States delegation in Switzerland was led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
▪The United States Treasury issued a 60-day sanctions waiver on June 22, 2026, allowing Iran to sell oil in United States dollars.

Lebanon ceasefire mechanism

▪The United States and Iran agreed to establish a de-confliction cell, including the Lebanese government, to ensure the termination of military operations in Lebanon.
▪Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the creation of the de-confliction cell would be the first real test of the negotiating process.
▪Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 16 people on June 20, 2026, which Hezbollah stated was a response to Israeli military advances.

Strait of Hormuz closure

▪Iran's military announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026, citing continued Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
▪United States President Donald Trump threatened to impose American transit tolls in the Strait of Hormuz if a final agreement with Iran is not reached within 60 days.
▪United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright and United States Central Command contested Iran's closure announcement, stating that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz proceeded normally.

Israeli occupation of Lebanon

▪Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on June 21, 2026, that Israeli military forces will remain in a southern Lebanon security buffer zone up to 10 kilometers from the border.
▪Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused Benjamin Netanyahu of misleading the public regarding the Israel Defense Forces' freedom of action in Lebanon.
▪Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem stated the group would reject any ceasefire granting Israel freedom of action or failing to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.

Iranian nuclear program

▪The Iranian foreign ministry denied making any new commitments regarding International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear inspections.
▪Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on June 21, 2026, that Iran will never back down from its right to enrich uranium.
▪United States Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country.

Frozen Iranian assets

▪Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the preliminary agreement includes the release of some frozen Iranian assets and a major reconstruction plan.
▪Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati stated that Iran has no obligation to purchase United States agricultural products with its released six billion dollars in frozen assets.