Iran insists on ending conflicts, including in Lebanon, before final negotiations.
Iran has made it clear that it cannot engage in final negotiations with the United States unless measures to end conflicts, including in Lebanon, are prioritized. According to Yonhap News, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated on June 21 via social media platform X that the meeting taking place in Switzerland that day is intended to assess the implementation of the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 18.
Baghaei emphasized that the commencement of formal negotiations for a final agreement, as outlined in Article 13 of the MOU, depends on the execution of five key provisions: Articles 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11.
The primary condition set by Iran is the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, as specified in Article 1. Baghaei asserted, "It is impossible to enter the final negotiation phase without implementing this provision."
Israel Defense Minister: No troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon buffer zone.
Israel has firmly stated that it will not withdraw its forces from the security buffer zone in southern Lebanon. On June 21, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a statement saying, "There are no restrictions on military operations to eliminate threats within Lebanon, now or in the past."
He added, "Although a ceasefire has been announced recently, the Israel Defense Forces will maintain all positions within the southern security zone to defend the northern region. There will be no withdrawal of troops from that area."
This statement coincides with the start of implementation negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland, where Iran has indicated it will prioritize resolving the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Iran, U.S., and Qatar begin trilateral talks in Switzerland.
Iran, the United States, and Qatar have commenced trilateral talks in Switzerland. The discussions are expected to focus on a comprehensive ceasefire plan for Lebanon and the release of Iran's frozen assets abroad. Both sides have sent high-level delegations to the talks.
The Iranian delegation includes Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament; Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister; and Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council for International Affairs. Economic officials such as Abdolnaser Hemmati, Governor of the Central Bank, and Hamid Borde, Deputy Minister of Oil, are also part of the team.
On the U.S. side, key negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff completed technical arrangements in advance, and Vice President JD Vance also joined the negotiations.
SpaceX receives lowest ESG rating from MSCI ahead of IPO.
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has reportedly received the lowest rating from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) in its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) assessment just one day before its massive initial public offering (IPO). According to Yonhap News, the Financial Times reported on June 21 that SpaceX was assigned an ESG rating of 'CCC' by MSCI on June 11, the day before its anticipated $75 billion IPO. This rating is the same as that given to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
MSCI's ESG evaluations assess companies across three categories—environmental, social, and governance—divided into ten subtopics, rating them from AAA to CCC based on their exposure to risks and management levels. The assets tracking MSCI's ESG indices amount to approximately $12.7 trillion, indicating significant market influence.
MSCI noted that "SpaceX is lagging in the industry due to high exposure to risks and significant failures in ESG risk management."
[Weather for Tomorrow] Showers expected nationwide from afternoon, with gusts, thunder, and lightning.
On Monday, June 22, showers are expected across the country, including the capital region, from the afternoon into the night. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on June 21, areas experiencing showers may see gusty winds, thunder, and lightning, with hail possible in the capital region and Gangwon Province.
Rainfall is expected to range from 5 to 30 mm in the capital region, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang provinces, while Jeju Island may receive 20 to 60 mm of rain.
Morning low temperatures are forecasted to be between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs ranging from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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