Image source, Reuters
Published
Reading time: 2 minutes
Qatar and Pakistan have reported “encouraging progress” in the first phase of US-Iran talks held in Switzerland, aimed at finalizing an agreement.
Following an initial agreement reached last week, the first phase of the talks began and concluded on Sunday. Qatar and Pakistan, who mediated the negotiations, issued a joint statement after the session ended.
The statement indicated that a “high-level committee” has prepared a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days.
According to the current memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict, the expectation is to finalize the agreement within two months, with technical talks continuing during this period.
A US diplomat involved in the talks said the main focus was on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, implementing a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, and addressing the nuclear deal issues. Some confusing messages from Iran were also clarified in this initial phase.
Former US President Donald Trump had warned that the US would attack Iran if Israel failed to control Hezbollah amid ongoing clashes there. Iran remains a continuous supporter of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The US diplomat emphasized that the current discussions are focused on advancing the technical aspects of the negotiations.
Last week’s understanding agreed on ending the war on all fronts including Lebanon and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, dozens of casualties including women and children have been reported due to Israeli airstrikes.
Due to escalating conflict, the US announced a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday. Although Iran declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, data shows ships are still passing through this route.
As US and Iranian representatives prepared to start talks in Lucerne, Trump urged Iran on social media to prevent Hezbollah attacks, stating that Lebanon’s ‘proxy’ groups must stop immediately or face severe repercussions from Iran.
In response, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of the Iranian negotiation team, said, “They don’t understand that threats have no meaning? If threats were effective, we wouldn’t be in this uncomfortable situation… Whatever is said, we are those who act.”
Reports on Sunday indicated the clashes have stopped. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to ensure security.
A Hezbollah leader warned that Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is unacceptable and affirmed their right to self-defense.
Before talks began at a hotel in Switzerland, US team leader and Vice President J.D. Vance informed his delegation that President Trump had called for a “new beginning” from the talks.
The US team also included Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The Iranian delegation was led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Parliament, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Prime ministers and military chiefs from Pakistan and Qatar are present in Switzerland, facilitating and cooperating in the talks.
