The global balance has changed: Iran stripped the West – It took billions without conditions for American products and nuclear weapons.
Tuesday 23/06/2026 - 19:10
The world holds its breath as the balance of power in the Middle East hangs by a thread.
Significant progress was made by the quadrilateral USA, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland… concerning the effort to achieve a peace agreement in the Middle East, with Tehran achieving a diplomatic triumph.
The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Baghaei, although he hastened to clarify that there was no direct contact, revealed the existence of an intense behind-the-scenes exchange of messages through dark diplomatic channels. "I am committed to presenting not narratives, but the truth. The quadrilateral meeting that was supposed to take place did not occur, which is why the negotiation process did not continue in this form," he said and continued: "There was no direct contact between Iran and the United States within the framework of this meeting. The exchange of messages took place through diplomatic channels and specific mechanisms. The Islamic Republic of Iran has historically utilized dialogue and diplomacy to defend its national interests and promote the country's goals, and the exchange of messages continues in this context. The results of this approach were visible at various stages and the country's diplomatic mechanism will continue to consistently pursue the protection and safeguarding of the interests of the Iranian nation."
Tehran made it clear that its missile program is a "red line", while the US commits to the full lifting of sanctions and the release of Iranian funds.
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) demands to inspect the nuclear facilities that suffered serious damage from recent military attacks.
However, Iran erects a wall of denial: Ismail Baghaei made it clear that there is absolutely no process for the Agency to access these specific damaged centers, while simultaneously denying that there was any secret meeting with the IAEA Director General in Switzerland.
The diplomatic rift is expanding, with Iran praising the stance of Russia and China, which voted against the recent IAEA condemnation resolution, while Iran launched a fierce attack against countries in the region that maintained a "dual stance."
In this climate of extreme tension, a ray of light appeared to emerge.
As announced, an initial agreement was reached between Iran, the US and Lebanon to establish a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire (with the participation of Deputy Minister Gharibabadi), to stop the bloody hostilities with Israel, which continue despite the ceasefire of April 10. Baghai, referring to the continuation of hostilities after the April 10 ceasefire, stressed: "The cessation of war in Lebanon is an integral part of the recent agreements (June 18) and the commitment of the United States is absolutely clear; therefore, no excuse for the continuation of illegal and aggressive actions is acceptable."
He added that the new mechanism, with the participation of the involved parties and mediators, will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and preventing new military conflicts.
As he noted, due to the complexity of the situation and the many parties involved, the initial agreement was reached in Switzerland, while the implementation details of the mechanism will be finalized in the coming days through supplementary consultations.
He made it absolutely clear that its missile and defense capabilities are a "red line" and will not be negotiated under any circumstances.
Tehran's refusal to discuss its arsenal is understandable.
Economic shock
On the economic front, developments are dramatic and are expected to cause strong turbulence.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the United States yielded and committed to the full lifting of all primary, secondary and international sanctions against Iran.
Licenses have already been issued for the unimpeded sale of Iranian oil, petrochemical products and derivatives, including banking services, insurance and transportation.
Notably, Ismail Baghaei categorically denied rumors that the frozen funds would be used exclusively for the purchase of American goods, emphasizing that the billions are now fully available and the Central Bank of Iran will manage them with complete autonomy.
As he stated, "claims that Iran restricts the purchase of goods or is forced to buy from specific countries do not reflect reality. The management of the released funds will be based on the country's needs and the decisions of the competent bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture."
"There are no restrictions on the quality or origin of imported goods. The relevant licenses have been issued for the sale of oil and the frozen Iranian funds are now fully available for the country to use freely to meet its needs," he added.
Humiliation of Europe
At the same time, Europe suffered a humiliating blow.
Tehran described the European stance as "irresponsible," stressing that the EU has self-marginalized due to its passivity and lack of an independent voice, turning Europeans into mere spectators of developments. Conversely, Iran's axis is strengthened.
Responding to the claims of the French Foreign Minister that Europeans must participate in decisions regarding the lifting of sanctions, the Foreign Ministry spokesman characterized the European approach as "irresponsible" and stressed that their current position is the result of their own choices.
Referring to the inability of Europeans to advance the so-called "snapback" case and their overall stance in the last two wars, he stated that "Europeans have marginalized their own role due to passivity and lack of an independent vote."
As he noted, these choices not only did not enhance their credibility but also weakened their position in the international system.
He then appealed to European countries, emphasizing that if they wish to play a meaningful role on the international stage, they must change their approach and, instead of "deception," adopt an independent, responsible and realistic stance.
Following Pakistan's mediation efforts, the Iranian President is making a critical visit to Islamabad, while top officials, such as Mr. Qalibaf, are traveling to Muscat, Oman.
The goal is absolute coordination over the Strait of Hormuz, the most critical passage for global energy flows.
If the Strait is closed or brought under the absolute control of Tehran, the global economy will face an unprecedented crash.
The clock is ticking: The next 60-day period, during which the nuclear issue and remaining sanctions will be discussed, will determine whether the planet will head toward a temporary de-escalation or a war and economic catastrophe of biblical proportions.
