ISLAMABAD: Iran announced on Sunday that administrative procedures related to the release of its frozen financial assets have been finalized, as technical-level negotiations with the United States continued in Switzerland with a focus on sanctions relief, oil exports, and broader regional stability.
According to Iranian officials, discussions in Bürgenstock have centered on ending hostilities, easing economic restrictions, and restoring access to Iranian funds held abroad. Iranian negotiator Hussein Ghorban Zadeh said a final draft covering exemptions from sanctions on Iranian oil exports had been prepared and could be implemented in the near future. Iranian officials also stated that administrative arrangements concerning frozen assets had been settled as part of the ongoing negotiations.
The talks come amid broader efforts to implement a preliminary US-Iran framework aimed at reducing tensions and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Previous agreements between Washington and Tehran included provisions relating to maritime access, sanctions discussions, and future negotiations on unresolved issues.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and the United States share longstanding ties and expressed appreciation for the engagement of US President Donald Trump in efforts linked to regional diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Trump announced that no tolls would be imposed on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz during the current 60-day ceasefire period. He added that no tolls would apply after the ceasefire expires unless the United States decides to impose them should negotiations fail to produce a final agreement.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Washington reserves the right to introduce maritime charges in the future as compensation for what he described as US security and protection efforts in the region. The comments have drawn significant international attention given the strategic importance of the waterway, through which a substantial share of the world’s oil shipments passes.
Trump also issued a warning regarding Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, calling on Tehran to prevent further instability and cautioning that the United States could respond with stronger measures if tensions escalate. Similar warnings have been reported in recent days as Washington seeks to maintain pressure while negotiations continue.
Diplomatic observers say the negotiations remain at a delicate stage. While progress has reportedly been made on sanctions waivers, frozen assets, and maritime access, differences remain over implementation details and broader security concerns. The outcome of the Swiss talks is expected to have significant implications for regional stability, energy markets, and future US-Iran relations.
