US, Iran to resume technical talks in Switzerland amid clashing remarks on nuclear inspections

Despite conflicting narratives from the U.S. and Iran regarding international inspections of Iran's struck nuclear facilities, the two nations are set to resume technical-level negotiations in Switzerland at the end of June, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal, according to media reports.

In a Fox News interview on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American personnel would participate in International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of Iranian nuclear sites.

Trump said in the interview that the Iranians have "agreed to the inspectors", but he stressed that there is "no rush" regarding the inspectors' deployment.

However, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Wednesday on social media platform X that access to Iran's nuclear facilities and materials "will be reviewed and resolved solely within the framework of the final agreement and as a result of the other party's practical action to terminate all sanctions".

He also said no meeting was held between Iran's negotiating team and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Switzerland in recent days, despite Grossi's request.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that U.S.-Iran technical talks are expected to resume next week, likely on June 29 or 30 in Switzerland.

Rubio made the announcement during an official visit to Kuwait, where he met with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

Rubio said the discussions will be conducted at the staff level and involve officials from the U.S. State Department, the Department of Energy and other agencies tasked with addressing technical aspects of the U.S.-Iran agreement.

The negotiations are intended to lay the groundwork for a final accord addressing Iran's nuclear activities and the future of international sanctions imposed on Tehran, according to Rubio.

The U.S. and Iran signed a peace memorandum of understanding on June 18, which provides for 60 days of negotiations toward a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal. The first round of negotiations was held in Switzerland on Sunday and Monday.

Iran's three main nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan were bombed by the United States during the "12-day war" in June 2025. The sites have again been at the center of the conflict that erupted on Feb. 28 this year, with the United States and Israel launching strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets.

US, Iran to resume technical talks in Switzerland amid clashing remarks on nuclear inspections

US, Iran to resume technical talks in Switzerland amid clashing remarks on nuclear inspections

Austria has sent 48 young professionals -- Europe's largest national team -- to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, which is being held from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai.

The Austrian competitors hail from a wide range of trades, from railway work and cement masonry to hairdressing and baking. All delegation members for this year's competition are under 22.

"In Austria the topic 'skills and competition' is very important. And so we say ok, let's send a big team because we want to produce motivators for the next generation. And what's [a better] motivator than the guy who competed in a WorldSkills competitionn," said Jurgen Kraft, head of Team Austria.

Although Austria last topped the gold medal table nearly three decades ago, the country is aiming for a comeback performance with this year's delegation.

"The chances of winning the most gold medals from all countries -- to be honest not that high, it's always China on top. But we are trying to be the best European country competing there," said Tarik Begeta, a member of the team.

Held every two years, the WorldSkills Competition is the world's largest international gathering of skilled professionals. This year's event will feature 64 skills, including seven new categories such as software testing and unmanned aerial systems. It has brought together about 1,400 competitors from nearly 70 countries and regions.

The competition covers six major skill areas, including manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, construction and building technology, transportation and logistics, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal services.

Austria sends Europe's biggest team to WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai