Washington, 19 June (H.S.):

US Vice President JD Vance did not depart for Switzerland on Thursday night for follow-up discussions with Iran, despite the signing of a 14-point peace agreement between the US President and the Iranian President in Paris, France. The White House confirmed the development. However, following the signing of the agreement, tensions in the Middle East have eased considerably, clearing the way for renewed negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.

According to reports by CBS News and Al Jazeera, the postponement of Vance's trip has had no impact on the movement of oil tankers and commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Following the signing of the agreement by both presidents, the strategic waterway has reopened, leading to a sharp increase in maritime traffic.

A White House spokesperson told reporters that Vice President JD Vance did not leave for Switzerland late Thursday night to help initiate talks with Iran. The spokesperson noted that Vance had already stated during a press conference that plans for technical-level negotiations had not yet been finalised. According to the reports, both sides are preparing to begin technical discussions in the near future.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has briefed congressional leaders on the agreement with Iran. A White House spokesperson said that senior administration officials held telephone conversations with House and Senate leaders to provide details of the accord. The officials also spoke with the leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. During the calls, senior officials answered lawmakers' questions and outlined the framework for the upcoming negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed any withdrawal of Israeli forces from Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement. Hezbollah has insisted that Israeli troops must leave Lebanese territory.

Separately, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it has lifted the naval blockade around Iranian ports. Tehran stated that responsibility for issuing permits to commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz has been entrusted to its Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar