By Desmond Nleya, Daily Times Political Reporter
DUBAI — United States Vice President JD Vance has postponed a planned diplomatic visit to Switzerland to oversee a new round of negotiations with Iran following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the recent conflict between the two countries.
The White House confirmed on Friday that Vance will remain engaged in diplomatic efforts as Washington and Tehran enter a 60-day negotiation period established under the agreement. The talks are expected to focus on implementing the terms of the MoU and preventing a return to hostilities.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Vance defended the agreement against criticism from some US lawmakers and Israeli officials, who argue that the deal offers significant concessions to Tehran. The vice president maintained that the accord provides a framework for regional stability and reduces the risk of further military escalation.
Meanwhile, the US military announced a major operational shift in the Gulf. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it has lifted its blockade on Iranian ports, a move viewed as an early confidence-building measure under the agreement.
In Tehran, Iranian authorities stated that the country’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority has been tasked with issuing permits for commercial vessels transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Despite diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran, tensions continue elsewhere in the region. Israeli forces launched a new wave of strikes across southern Lebanon on Friday, killing several people, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
In the Gaza Strip, at least three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting the Remal neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to local reports.
The latest developments highlight the fragile nature of regional security as diplomatic efforts to solidify the US-Iran agreement continue amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza.
