BUERGENSTOCK, Switzerland: Iran and the United States concluded the first round of high-level negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East conflict on Monday, with both sides agreeing to continue technical discussions throughout the week under a mediator-led framework.
According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, who are acting as facilitators, the two sides agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, alongside the immediate launch of detailed technical-level talks at the Swiss resort of Buergenstock.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as producing “major progress,” while Washington has yet to issue an official statement on the outcome.
The joint statement said a High-Level Committee established by Tehran and Washington will oversee the process as negotiations move into the next phase.
A key outcome of the talks was the establishment of a “de-confliction cell” involving the United States, Iran, Lebanon, and mediators, designed to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon. The mechanism comes amid intensified fighting involving Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israeli forces in recent weeks.
The statement added that Lebanon would serve as an early test case for maintaining the fragile understanding between the parties.
On maritime security, negotiators agreed to set up a communication line aimed at preventing incidents and miscommunication in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. The mechanism is intended to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels during the 60-day negotiating period.
Iran had previously announced restrictions on maritime traffic through the strait in response to regional hostilities, raising global concerns over energy security.
Araghchi also said on social media that several economic measures had been agreed, including relief on oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets, and the launch of reconstruction and development initiatives in Iran. However, these claims were not reflected in the Pakistan-Qatar joint statement, and the United States has not confirmed them.
The broader memorandum of understanding underpinning the talks reportedly includes commitments to ease sanctions and restore access to frozen Iranian funds, though implementation details remain under negotiation.
Pakistan and Qatar, which have taken leading mediation roles, said they would continue to facilitate talks to maintain a constructive environment and support progress toward a comprehensive settlement.
Araghchi credited what he called “tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation,” while emphasizing that key issues remain unresolved as technical teams continue discussions in Switzerland.