US and Iran Begin Talks as Nuclear Dispute Continues
The United States and Iran held peace talks in Switzerland. The US eased oil sanctions for sixty days, allowing Iran to sell oil in US dollars. However, the two countries disagree about nuclear inspections. The US says inspectors can return to Iran this week, but Iran reports no new commitments. Meanwhile, mediators helped make safety plans for ships.
The US and Iran started peace talks in Switzerland. Their meeting place was a beautiful resort in Bürgenstock. Qatar and Pakistan helped the two sides as mediators. On Monday, these mediators released a joint statement. The statement showed a roadmap for both countries. They want to reach a final deal within sixty days.
During these talks, the two sides discussed regional safety. They talked about the important Strait of Hormuz. The mediators made a new communication line for ships. This line will help commercial ships pass safely. The teams also agreed to create a special safety group. This group includes the US, Iran, and Lebanon.
On Monday, the US government temporarily eased oil sanctions. The US Treasury gave a sixty-day license to Iran. This license allows Iran to sell oil in US dollars. Historically, the strong embargo hurt the economy of Iran. Now, Iran can sell oil directly to the US. This license unlocks banking and transport transactions for Iran.
However, the two countries disagree about nuclear inspections. US Vice-President JD Vance spoke to reporters on Monday. He expected conversations with the UN watchdog very soon. He expected inspectors to return to Iran this week. President Donald Trump also wrote about major inspections online.
But Iran quickly denied these nuclear claims on Tuesday. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai spoke to state media. He reported no new commitments from the Tehran government. Any nuclear inspection must follow existing parliament rules. Last summer, the UN watchdog pulled its inspectors out of Iran. This happened because Iran stopped their access after bombings. On Monday, the lead Iranian negotiators left Switzerland. Technical discussions between the groups finished on Tuesday.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
Which two countries acted as mediators during the talks?
Simple past tense of irregular verbs
We use the simple past tense to talk about completed actions in the past. Irregular verbs do not end in '-ed'.
“Their meeting place was a beautiful resort in Bürgenstock.”
What to know · A2
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Scenario: Explaining what happened at a business conference or a family meeting you attended.
- 01“We met in a beautiful resort last month.”
- 02“They agreed to a roadmap for the project.”
- 03“We talked about the important safety rules.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
This shows the specific action and timeline of the sanctions relief.
The US Treasury gave a sixty-day license to Iran.
This shows the optimistic timeframe stated by the US Vice-President.
He expected inspectors to return to Iran this week.
This highlights the contradiction between the US statements and Iran's response.
He reported no new commitments from the Tehran government.
🎙️ Article Audio — Kokoro TTS
US and Iran Begin Talks as Nuclear Dispute Continues
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
Why do you think countries choose Switzerland for peace talks?
Opinion - 2
What are the advantages of having mediators in a big conflict?
Evaluate - 3
How might easing oil sanctions affect other countries in the world?
Predict - 4
How do you usually resolve disagreements with people at work or school?
Personal - 5
Compare the roles of politicians and spokespersons during international negotiations.
Compare - 6
Do you think a sixty-day roadmap is enough time to end a war?
Opinion - 7
How should countries balance their safety with their economic needs?
Evaluate - 8
What do you think will happen if the two sides cannot agree?
Predict
Adapted from BBC World · Read the original. LinguaPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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