Iran says nuclear negotiations have not started yet

Iran disputes US optimism over nuclear talks as Washington eases oil sanctions and regional tensions remain fragile.

Ezgi Akin
Ezgi Akin
Jun 23, 2026
A woman walks near a mural depicting the late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Welcome back to the Daily Briefing.

This is Ezgi Akin, filling in for Gabrielle. 

In today’s edition:

  • Iran says nuclear negotiations have not started yet
  • US grants Iran oil sanctions waiver as part of deal
  • As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined
  • Kurds shine at World Cup

Happening soon: Join us at 1:00 pm ET today for our webinar breaking down the US-Iran deal and the road ahead. Sign up here.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

Continue reading this exclusive analysis

Original reporting and analysis unavailable elsewhere. Subscribe to AL-MONITOR to read this story and access everything we publish

Read By

White House logo NATO Logo World Bank logo European Union logo United Nations logo Foreign and Commonwealth Office logo Harvard University logo