Technical Talks Set for Burgenstock
Citing sources, Al Arabiya reported that the United States and Iran will hold the next round of negotiations on June 28 and 29 at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland. These discussions are described as technical talks at the expert level, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier in June.
Direct Deconfliction Channel Established
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington and Tehran have agreed to establish a direct deconfliction channel, with military representatives from both sides stationed in Doha, Qatar. The arrangement involves personnel from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the US Army's Central Command (CENTCOM).
Speaking to the British news site UnHerd, Vance stated, "They were like, 'OK, fine, we'll send somebody from the IRGC to go hang out in Doha with somebody from [U.S. Central Command]' and that's how we're going to settle a lot of these disputes." This was reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday.
UAE Engages Iran on Economic Incentives
Vance also noted that the United Arab Emirates is holding conversations with Iran and the IRGC regarding various types of economic incentives. He described these as discussions that "have never happened before, including with the IRGC."
US-GCC Ministerial Meeting Reinforces Strategic Partnership
On Thursday, the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed their strategic partnership at a ministerial meeting in Manama, Bahrain. The meeting was co-chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and attended by GCC foreign ministers and Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi.
According to a joint statement, Secretary Rubio "reinforced the enduring US commitment to GCC security," while ministers reaffirmed their "strong commitment to the US-GCC strategic partnership." The ministers welcomed the June 17 MoU between the US and Iran, acknowledging mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar.
Shared Objectives on Iran's Nuclear Program
The joint statement emphasized the need to maintain momentum and unity as negotiations proceed toward a more permanent end to hostilities. It reiterated the shared objective of preventing Iran from ever developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. The statement also noted that lasting regional peace requires addressing "the full spectrum of Iran's threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region."
Furthermore, the statement declared that any trade and investment with Iran is conditional and reversible, depending on Tehran's compliance with the MoU and any final agreement, an end to destabilizing activities, and the creation of conditions necessary for economic engagement.
