22/06/2026 06:04 - Internacionales
Banderas de Estados Unidos e Irán sobre una mesa de negociaciones con documentos diplomáticos y un mapa del Medio Oriente visible en Bürgenstock Suiza, ambiente formal de conferencia internacional
Delegations from Iran and the United States agreed on June 21, 2026 to create a high-level committee to advance a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days, ending the conflict that began on February 28, 2026 and has already left more than 3,700 dead.
The joint statement was published by the Foreign Ministries of Qatar and Pakistan, the mediators of the negotiations taking place at the Bürgenstock resort complex in the Swiss Alps. According to the text, the talks were held in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and "encouraging progress" was achieved.
The memorandum of understanding digitally signed on June 17, 2026 establishes the pillars of the negotiations:
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that "important advances" were achieved and added: "Oil and petrochemical exports are forgiven, the blockade has been lifted, some frozen assets have been released, and a major reconstruction and development plan for Iran has been launched."
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important waterways, through which approximately 20% of global oil passes, along with nearly 45% of China's oil and gas imports.
On Monday June 22, South Korea confirmed that two vessels operated by Korean shipping companies crossed the strait, marking the first crossing since the memorandum was signed. South Korea's Ministry of Oceans reported that the vessels "are sailing normally" after having been on standby.
The conflict in Lebanon has become one of the main points of tension. Foreign Minister Araghchi indicated that "de-escalation in Lebanon" is the "first test" of the negotiation process.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli troops "will not withdraw" from the zone they occupy in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah rejected any direct negotiations with Israel, arguing that such talks "confiscate Lebanon's sovereignty".
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that the Islamic regime is willing to provide guarantees that it will not manufacture nuclear weapons, though he insisted that "it will not renounce its right to uranium enrichment".
"What the United States demands is that Iran not build an atomic bomb. This is nothing new, and we can also declare in writing that we have no intention of building a bomb. However, we will not renounce our right to enrichment."
The negotiation process has not been without tensions. US President Donald Trump threatened on Sunday to attack Iran again if "it does not stop its allies" in Lebanon:
"If they don't, we will attack Iran again with great force, as we did last week, or even more forcefully."
In response to these statements, the head of the Iranian negotiating team Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf replied: "They would do well to measure their words. Our armed forces are ready to respond differently."
Iran briefly interrupted negotiations following Trump's threats, according to the official news agency IRNA, although talks later resumed.
China expressed on Monday its support for the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan and Qatar and its hope that both parties "maintain the negotiating momentum", according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Beijing has consistently advocated for a negotiated resolution to the conflict and has called for the restoration of free navigation in Hormuz, a route especially sensitive for China given that approximately 45% of its oil and gas imports pass through it.
The negotiations feature active mediation from Qatar and Pakistan, countries that have played a fundamental role in bridging positions between Tehran and Washington.
US Vice President JD Vance, who leads the American delegation, stated after the first hours of negotiations: "We have already achieved great progress in the last hours and I expect we will achieve additional progress in the allotted time."
The conflict began on February 28, 2026 following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. Since then, the confrontation has left more than 3,700 dead and has severely affected global oil trade due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The preliminary 14-point memorandum was signed on June 17, 2026, establishing the basis for these technical negotiations that will continue throughout the week in Bürgenstock.
Sources: Deutsche Welle, Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
