Topline
High-level talks between the U.S and Iran in Switzerland concluded early on Monday with mediators touting “encouraging progress” with both sides agreeing to establish a line of communication to avoid escalation, hours after the talks were disrupted after President Donald Trump threaten renewed attacks against Iran.
US Vice-President JD Vance, left, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, at the Lake Lucerne Summit at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland.
© KEYSTONE / URS FLUEELER
Key Facts
In a statement, Pakistan officials who are mediating the talks alongside Qatar, said the summit was conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and said “encouraging progress” was made including the establishment of a mechanism for future technical talks.
A “High Level Committee” involving all parties have been established and a roadmap has been agreed upon to reach a deal within 60 days, the statement added.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to set up a communication line to avoid “incidents and miscommunication” with regards to safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The two sides have also agreed to set up a so-called “de-confliction cell” with regards to the conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah—which Iran has said is a violation of the interim peace deal.
Lower level technical talks between the two sides will continue for the rest of the week, although its unclear what specific issues they might tackle.
What have Iranian Officials Said About Conclusion Of Talks?
In a statement on X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared positive saying: “Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.” Araghchi’s statement, however, mentioned a caveat that the Lebanon deconfliction cell will the “1st real test” of this agreement.
What Have U.S. Officials Said?
So far Vice President JD Vance and other top U.S. officials overseeing the negotiations have not directly commented on the conclusion of the talks.