Iran and US Make 'Major Progress' in First Round of Talks in Switzerland
Iran and the United States concluded the first round of talks aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland on Monday. The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, have been described as constructive, with technical discussions scheduled to continue.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed the 'major progress' achieved with the help of the mediators. The United States government has not yet issued an official statement.
The joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan outlined several key developments:
Roadmap to a Final Deal
A High Level Committee, established by Tehran and Washington to oversee the talks, has 'agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks.' The statement added that 'technical talks will continue for the remainder of the week at the Burgenstock resort on all issues.'
Lebanon 'De-Confliction Cell'
The United States and Iran 'agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon.' Lebanon was drawn into the conflict in early March when the Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Recent fighting in Lebanon has threatened to derail the peace deal. Mr. Araghchi wrote on X that the Lebanon de-confliction cell would be the '1st real test'.
Hormuz 'Communication Line'
Tehran and Washington have established a 'communication line' to 'avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.' The communication line applies for the 60-day period outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed earlier by both sides, in which Iran vowed 'best efforts' to ensure safe passage. Iran had said on Saturday (June 20, 2026) it was closing the Strait again over Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Unfreezing of Assets
Mr. Araghchi wrote on X that 'oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.' However, the Pakistan-Qatar joint statement does not mention any unfreezing of Iranian assets. The memorandum of understanding includes a US undertaking to 'terminate all types of sanctions against' Iran and to 'make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets' of Iran. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Role of Mediators
Pakistan and Qatar have gained international prominence as mediators in the Iran-US deal, issuing a joint statement to mark the conclusion of the first round. The statement said: 'The mediating parties will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations continue to be conducted in a constructive atmosphere with the aim of reaching a final deal.' Mr. Araghchi credited 'tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation' in his social media post.
