US–Iran Talks in Switzerland end with 60-Day Peace Roadmap

The first round of talks between the US and Iran has concluded in Switzerland. Both sides agreed to form a high-level committee. Pakistan and Qatar have issued a joint statement on this matter, and Iran has also issued its first response.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that significant progress has been made toward ending the Lebanon war, thanks to the continued mediation of Pakistan and Qatar. The blockade on oil and petrochemical exports to Iran has been lifted, and the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz has been lifted. 

Furthermore, some frozen assets have been released, and a large-scale reconstruction and development plan has been launched. He further wrote that the biggest test is the de-confliction process in Lebanon.

According to a joint statement by Pakistan and Qatar, 

“The Lake Lucerne Summit was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere. Encouraging progress was made, including the establishment of a mechanism for further technical negotiations. 

High-Level Oversight Committee Formed

Based on the MoU, all parties have agreed to establish a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the mediation process. The Chief Negotiator will report regularly to the High-Level Committee and lead working groups such as the Nuclear, Sanctions, and Monitoring and Dispute Resolution Group to ensure the effective implementation of the MoU.

The High-Level Committee has agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, laying the groundwork for the immediate commencement of further technical negotiations. Furthermore, to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and avoid any incidents or misunderstandings, a communication line has been established between the parties for the time period specified in paragraph 5 of the MoU.

De-conflict Cell Established

According to the joint statement, all parties have agreed to establish a “de-conflict cell” to ensure compliance with the MoU on halting military operations in Lebanon. 

This cell will work between the parties and Lebanon and will be assisted by mediating countries. Technical discussions on all issues will continue at the Bürgenstock Resort throughout the rest of this week.

According to reports, amid talks between Iran and the US in Switzerland, Donald Trump once again threatened Tehran. He said that Iran should stop the groups it funds and supports in Lebanon, which are causing trouble. 

Trump threatened that if Iran does not do so, “we will again attack Iran very strongly, just like we did last week, but this time with even greater force."