White House: The U.S. Hopes to Launch Technical Talks with Iran as Soon as Possible
¬ Vance Cancels Trip to Switzerland to Sign Agreement with Iran
¬ U.S. Military Again Attacks Speedboat in Pacific, Killing Three "Drug Terrorists"
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The White House stated that despite Vice President Vance cancelling his trip to Switzerland, the U.S. still hopes to initiate technical talks with Iran as soon as possible.
The White House said: "We hope (with Iran – editorial note) to launch technical talks as soon as possible."
According to a White House spokesperson, Vice President Vance will not fly to Switzerland on the morning of the 19th to sign a memorandum with Iran.
Iran and the United States remotely signed a memorandum at 06:00 AM on June 18 to end the military conflict that erupted on February 28. The memorandum also established a timetable for the U.S. lifting its maritime blockade and Iran restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
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A White House spokesperson said that Vice President Vance has cancelled his scheduled trip to Switzerland on Friday morning to sign a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
The spokesperson said: "Logistical arrangements for this negotiation have never been simple or predictable. At this point, the Vice President will not be departing tonight."
Meanwhile, the White House expressed hope that technical negotiations with Tehran could begin as soon as possible.
On Thursday, Vance confirmed he would lead the U.S. negotiating delegation and said plans to travel to Switzerland over the weekend were contingent upon the arrival of representatives from Tehran.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that since the memorandum of understanding has already been signed by both countries' presidents, there is no need for a signing ceremony in Switzerland.
However, it noted that Iran intends to participate in negotiations with the United States.
On June 18, Iran and the United States remotely signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the military conflict that began on February 28. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that the memorandum requires an immediate halt to all military operations along every front, including Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
Under the memorandum, both sides pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and refrain from interfering in internal affairs. Additionally:
Iran pledges not to charge fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz within 60 days;
The United States and its regional allies must develop a reconstruction plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion;
Washington commits to lifting sanctions on Tehran within the timeframe specified in the final agreement;
Iran will not produce or acquire nuclear weapons;
Both parties will resolve nuclear material issues under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Earlier Thursday, Vance stated that the 60-day final negotiation period begins today.
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According to U.S. Southern Command, the U.S. military again attacked a speedboat suspected to be operated by drug terrorists in the Pacific, killing three individuals during the operation.
Southern Command wrote on social media platform X: "On June 18, under orders from General Francis Donnelly, Commander of Southern Command, the 'Southern Spear' joint task force conducted an operation targeting a speedboat controlled by a designated terrorist organization."
Intelligence indicated the vessel was traveling along a known drug trafficking route in the eastern Pacific at the time.
Three individuals suspected of being drug terrorists were killed. No U.S. personnel were injured or killed.
Source: sputniknews
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868393863832576/
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