Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported “major progress” in the latest US-Iran peace talks held in Switzerland.
Pakistan and Qatar, which mediated the discussions, also confirmed that negotiations would continue after the first round produced encouraging results.
Iran Reports Major Progress in Peace Negotiations
Araghchi credited the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar with advancing efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, Tehran secured waivers covering oil and petrochemical exports. He also said the United States had lifted its naval blockade against Iran.
In addition, Araghchi announced the launch of a major reconstruction and development program for the country.
Pakistan and Qatar Confirm Encouraging Results
Pakistan and Qatar said in a joint statement that the first round of high-level US-Iran talks had concluded in Switzerland.
The two mediators described the outcome as encouraging and confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue negotiations.
The United States and Iran will now establish a high-level committee to oversee the diplomatic process.
US and Iran Target Agreement Within 60 Days
The newly created committee will aim to help both countries reach an agreement within 60 days.
Further technical discussions are expected to focus on the remaining details of a broader peace settlement.
The United States and Iran also agreed to establish a de-confliction cell. Its purpose will be to prevent military incidents and help maintain the ceasefire involving Lebanon.
Trump’s Threats Complicate the Talks
The positive statements followed reports that the Iranian delegation had temporarily suspended negotiations.
The reported pause came after US President Donald Trump threatened further military action against Iran over its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Trump called on Tehran to restrain Hezbollah as fighting with Israel continued in southern Lebanon.
These developments highlighted the fragile nature of the diplomatic process despite the reported progress in Switzerland.
Fourteen-Point Framework Guides Negotiations
The United States and Iran agreed to a 14-point memorandum of understanding during the previous week.
The framework aims to end hostilities and establish a path toward a more comprehensive peace agreement.
Under the initial arrangement, the United States lifted its naval blockade against Iran. Tehran also allowed limited ship traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon Remains a Major Obstacle
Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon remains one of the most difficult issues in the negotiations.
Iran has demanded that Israel comply with the ceasefire before further peace discussions can move forward.
Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend after Israel continued its attacks against Lebanon and Hezbollah despite agreeing to a ceasefire on Friday.
Although the Switzerland talks delivered signs of diplomatic progress, continued violence in Lebanon could still threaten the negotiations and the wider ceasefire.
