Contra
Vance urged reporters to “mistrust a little bit what you see coming out of Iranian social media” as he departed Switzerland on his way back to the U.S. on Monday afternoon. Trump administration officials have repeatedly urged U.S. media to take claims coming out of Iran with a heavy dose of skepticism, alleging they often don’t reflect what the Iranians are telling U.S. officials behind closed doors.
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Key Background
The talks in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistani and Qatari officials, are part of a 60-day negotiating period established by the memorandum of understanding the U.S. and Iran signed last week to end military hostilities while they work to resolve outstanding issues, including the fate of Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. has also committed to relieving some sanctions on Iran and unfreezing Iranian assets held in foreign accounts as part of a final agreement. On Monday, the Treasury Department issued a 60-day license allowing Iran to produce, transport and sell oil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver was based on Iran allowing “free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz” and agreeing to nuclear inspections. Iran, however, said it closed the strait on Saturday amid continued attacks by Israel in Lebanon. The U.S. denied Iran’s claims it shut down the key oil passage. Maritime intelligence company Windward reported some traffic had continued, with 25 vessels passing through the strait over a 12-hour period ending Monday morning. Before the war began in February, 100-130 vessels passed through on an average day.
further reading
Trump Blasts NYT As ‘Treasonous’—For Iran War Criticism Shared By Many (Forbes)
Trump Says U.S. May Impose Tolls In Strait Of Hormuz If Peace Deal Fails (Forbes)
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Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Is Closed After Lebanon Attacks—U.S. Denies It’s Shut (Forbes)
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