US lifts oil sanctions on Iran for 60 days amid nuclear inspection deal
As the conflict enters its 116th day, diplomatic moves in Switzerland signal a potential de-escalation, while a ceasefire in Lebanon appears to be holding ahead of scheduled talks in the US.
The United States has agreed to ease oil sanctions on Iran for a period of 60 days, following a diplomatic agreement reached in Switzerland. The move comes as Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, confirmed that Tehran has committed to allowing international nuclear inspectors to return to the country. This commitment is a central component of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which has now entered its 116th day.
Under the terms of the deal, $12bn in previously frozen Iranian funds will be released. The easing of sanctions is directly linked to Tehran’s compliance with the nuclear inspection regime, marking a significant shift in the economic pressure applied to the Islamic Republic during the prolonged conflict. Ghalibaf’s confirmation of the agreement underscores the high-level diplomatic engagement taking place away from the immediate theatre of operations.
Concurrently, security conditions in the Levant have shown signs of stabilisation. A ceasefire in Lebanon appears to be holding, providing a window for diplomatic engagement between the region’s key actors. Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold talks in the United States, signalling an intent to formalise the cessation of hostilities through structured dialogue rather than continued military engagement.
The timing of these developments suggests a coordinated effort to de-escalate tensions across multiple fronts. The release of frozen assets and the temporary lifting of oil restrictions serve as tangible incentives for Iran’s cooperation, while the parallel diplomatic track in Lebanon aims to secure a broader regional stability. The success of these measures will likely depend on the sustained compliance of all parties involved.
As the conflict approaches the four-month mark, the focus has shifted from purely military objectives to diplomatic resolutions. The 60-day window for the sanctions easing provides a critical period to assess the durability of the nuclear inspection agreement and the broader ceasefire arrangements. The upcoming talks in the US will be closely watched as a barometer for the long-term viability of these diplomatic breakthroughs.
