Lead

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will be administered by Tehran, following talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on the Islamic republic. Ghalibaf, who also serves as Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, made the remarks on his return from negotiations, according to state media.

Iran and the United States agreed on Monday to set up communication lines to keep the vital shipping route open and end fighting in Lebanon, mediators said, after their first round of talks toward ending the conflict that has engulfed West Asia.

Coverage Comparison

Two news organisations covered the developments: TASS, the Russian state news agency, and The Hindu, an Indian newspaper. Both reported Ghalibaf's statement that Tehran will administer the strait, but they framed the broader agreement differently.

TASS focused on the technical aspects of the communication channel, quoting Ghalibaf as saying the line is designed to resolve issues involving ships or possible incidents, not to grant passage permission. TASS also reported that the parties agreed on a procedure to unfreeze Iranian assets worth $12 billion.

The Hindu emphasised the sanctions relief and the end-of-war negotiations, quoting Vice-President J.D. Vance as saying the talks created a "good foundation for a successful final deal." The Hindu also reported that the United States temporarily suspended sanctions on Iranian oil after Vance said Tehran would allow UN nuclear inspectors to return.

Both outlets described the war between the US and Israel against Iran as ongoing, with The Hindu noting the conflict began in late February.

Key Claims

Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz

Ghalibaf said the strait will "never return to its pre-war conditions" and will be administered by Iran "in accordance with international law." TASS quoted him as saying the management of the strait will never be carried out in the same way as before the war, with navigation regulated by Iran according to international norms and Iranian rules.

Communication lines agreed

Iran and the United States agreed to establish a communication channel on the passage of ships through the strait. Ghalibaf said the line is intended to resolve problems within a 30-day period, providing clarifications and handling incidents, but it is not a mechanism for requesting permission to pass.

Sanctions relief and unfreezing of assets

The United States temporarily suspended sanctions on Iranian oil, and Tehran is set to receive some form of sanctions relief as well as the unfreezing of assets. TASS reported that the parties agreed on a procedure to unfreeze $12 billion. Ghalibaf said the talks produced "good achievements" regarding the strait, Lebanon, the oil waiver, and releasing frozen funds.

Deal foundation

Vance said his talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland created a "good foundation for a successful final deal" as they seek a permanent end to the war. US President Donald Trump warned, "I will do what I have to do" if Iran does not stick to its agreement.

Perspectives

Iran's Negotiating Position

Ghalibaf framed the agreement as a success, emphasising Iran's sovereignty over the strait and the benefits of sanctions relief and asset unfreezing. He acknowledged that "we are still at the beginning of this work and must continue our efforts."

US Administration's Stance

Vance expressed optimism about the talks, describing a "good foundation" for a final deal. Trump struck a more conditional tone, stating he would act if Iran fails to honour its commitments. The temporary sanctions suspension was linked to Iran's promise to allow UN nuclear inspectors back.

Mediator Role

Mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, facilitated the talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland. Their involvement underscores the international effort to stabilise the region and maintain the flow of shipping through the strait.