U.S. and Iran Reach Preliminary Peace Deal as Nuclear Inspections Resume

The United States and Iran have reached a significant preliminary deal to de-escalate tensions, following weeks of high-wire diplomacy involving mediators from Pakistan and Qatar. The agreement includes a signed ceasefire document and the launch of a 60-day negotiation window to resolve long-standing differences. As part of the progress, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed to lawmakers that Tehran has agreed to invite United Nations nuclear watchdogs to inspect its nuclear sites, a move seen as a major transparency concession.

Vice President JD Vance noted that recent talks in Switzerland established a solid foundation for ending the conflict. While the preliminary deal is a breakthrough, diplomats warn that the hardest stages of negotiation lie ahead. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain this week to discuss the implications of the deal with Gulf allies and ensure regional stability during the transition from hostilities to dialogue.

At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, the U.S.-Iran situation dominated the agenda, even as allies attempted to refocus President Donald Trump's attention on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The geopolitical shift has raised questions about whether the Trump administration is returning to a 'peace-first' foreign policy doctrine. Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has reached out to Washington, urging President Trump to apply similar diplomatic pressure to seek a peaceful resolution with North Korea.