Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: The first high-level round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, concluded on Monday with mediators reporting “encouraging progress” and announcing a roadmap toward a final peace agreement within 60 days .
A joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar confirmed that the “Lake Lucerne Summit” at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland was conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” . The parties have agreed to establish a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the mediation process, with chief negotiators reporting regularly and leading specialized working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and monitoring mechanisms .
Key Outcomes of the Talks:
- 60-Day Roadmap: The High-Level Committee has agreed upon a roadmap toward reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for immediate technical negotiations .
- Strait of Hormuz Communication Line: A direct communication channel has been established between the parties to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strategic waterway .
- Lebanon De-Confliction Cell: The parties agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon and facilitated by the mediators to ensure adherence to the termination of military operations in Lebanon, as stipulated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding .
- Technical Talks Continue: Technical-level negotiations will continue at the Bürgenstock resort for the remainder of the week .
Iranian Foreign Minister’s Assessment
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to social media to hail the progress, stating that “tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War” . He confirmed that oil and petrochemical export waivers have been granted, the blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and a major reconstruction and development plan launched for Iran . He identified the Lebanon de-confliction cell as the “1st real test” of the understandings .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir represented Pakistan during the negotiations, which included direct engagement between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf . Prime Minister Sharif also held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to thank him for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s peace efforts .
The mediators expressed appreciation to both the United States and Iran for their “ongoing commitment to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution to the conflict” .
