Switzerland: US-Iran talks conclude first round, parties agree on roadmap toward final deal
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Bürgenstock (Terror Monitor) The first round of technical talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Switzerland on Monday, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar announcing that the parties had agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.
In a joint statement, Pakistan and Qatar said a High-Level Committee had been established to provide political oversight of the negotiations, while technical-level discussions will continue throughout the week.
According to the statement, the lead negotiators will regularly brief the committee on progress, and specialized working groups will address issues related to Iran's nuclear program, sanctions, verification mechanisms, and dispute resolution to facilitate implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The mediators also announced the creation of a dedicated communication channel to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and prevent misunderstandings or unintended incidents in the strategic waterway.
Earlier, a US diplomat involved in the talks said discussions had focused on clarifying Iran's recent statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz and on mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the negotiations as a "major step forward," saying Pakistani and Qatari mediation had helped advance efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon.
Araghchi also said progress had been made on easing restrictions related to Iran's oil and petrochemical exports, lifting what he described as a maritime blockade, releasing some frozen Iranian assets, and launching a major reconstruction and development initiative.
He added that the first real test of the new framework would be the establishment of a Lebanon Deconfliction Cell, designed to reduce tensions and oversee implementation of the agreed measures.
The joint statement further confirmed that representatives of Lebanon, the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar will participate in the Deconfliction Cell, which is intended to support the implementation of commitments related to ending Israeli military operations in Lebanon under the MoU.
The mediators expressed optimism that the agreed roadmap would pave the way for a comprehensive final agreement between Washington and Tehran within the next 60 days.
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