First Round of US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Achieves Progress; Mediators Announce 60-Day Roadmap to Deal
The first round of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, has yielded significant progress. The sides agreed to establish a high-level committee and a 60-day roadmap to reach a final agreement, along with working groups on nuclear issues, sanctions, and conflict resolution, including in Lebanon.
The first round of US-Iran talks in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, has achieved considerable progress, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced. The discussions focused on preparations for a final agreement, including unfreezing Iran's frozen assets and granting sanctions exemptions for Iranian oil sales. Baghaei said "significant progress" was made.
Both sides agreed on the need to ensure safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The mediators—Qatar and Pakistan—will soon publish a document outlining the agreements reached during the talks.
In a joint statement, the mediators said the talks were held in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and that "encouraging progress" had been made. The US and Iran agreed to establish a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the mediation process. Lead negotiators will report regularly to the committee and head working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute resolution group to ensure effective implementation of the memorandum of understanding.
The committee agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, while technical talks on all issues will continue through the end of this week in Switzerland. The US and Iran also agreed to create a "conflict resolution group" involving Lebanon and mediated by Qatar and Pakistan to ensure the cessation of military operations in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group continues despite a ceasefire agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday said that significant progress had been made in the talks with Iran over the last few hours. Earlier, the first round of technical talks scheduled for Friday was canceled at the last minute, possibly due to new clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. On June 17, the US and Iran remotely signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war and opening the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as the basis for drafting a final agreement over the next 60 days.
