Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تخفف العقوبات على إيران بينما يستمر وقف إطلاق النار في لبنان

Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, announced that an agreement has been reached with the United States to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds following talks in Switzerland. The US has eased sanctions on Iranian oil for 60 days after Tehran committed to allowing international nuclear inspectors to return during negotiations aimed at resolving the US-Israel war on Iran. According to Al Jazeera, the US Treasury Department has waived sanctions on the sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products until August 21.

The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that technical talks with the US have concluded, with the next phase set to occur under the supervision of a high-level committee including Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance. Ghalibaf praised the “good achievements” in the ongoing negotiations and confirmed the release of two tranches of $6 billion in frozen funds.

In Lebanon, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held, although fears of renewed hostilities remain. The United Nations reported that no air attacks have been detected in Lebanon since March 2, marking a significant moment in the ongoing tensions. Hezbollah’s deputy head, Mahmoud Qamati, warned that the group would respond to any violations of the ceasefire by Israel.

Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that Israeli troops will continue their military presence in southern Lebanon, asserting a commitment to neutralize threats against their citizens. Israel and Lebanon are set to commence a new round of direct talks in Washington, DC, aimed at further addressing the ongoing conflict.