BUERGENSTOCK
The United States and Iran have made what mediators described as encouraging progress during the first round of negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent peace agreement and ending their ongoing conflict.
The talks, held at the Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock and mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, concluded early on Monday after extended discussions that lasted into the early hours of the morning.
According to a joint statement from the mediators, both sides agreed on a roadmap designed to achieve a lasting peace settlement within the next 60 days. The agreement marks a significant step forward following the interim deal signed last week and reflects a mutual willingness to continue diplomatic engagement despite persistent tensions.
One of the key outcomes of the talks was an agreement on a framework to help end hostilities in Lebanon between Israel, a close ally of the United States, and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. The parties also established a communication mechanism intended to ensure the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
The negotiations took place against a backdrop of continued regional instability. Tensions had risen after Iran once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned that military action against Iran could resume if diplomatic efforts failed. Despite these challenges, representatives from both countries remained at the negotiating table and continued discussions aimed at reducing the risk of further escalation.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the outcome of the talks, describing the discussions as positive and constructive. In a statement posted on social media, he said the first round of negotiations had concluded successfully and generated momentum for future dialogue.
Leading the American delegation, Vice President JD Vance said President Trump had directed his team to pursue a new chapter in relations with the Iranian people. Vance acknowledged that peace negotiations are often complicated but emphasized that meaningful progress had been achieved, particularly regarding efforts to reduce tensions in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Iran’s senior negotiating team, which included prominent diplomat Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, departed Switzerland and returned to Tehran following the conclusion of the talks. However, technical-level discussions are expected to continue throughout the week as both sides work to refine the details of the proposed agreements.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran had secured important economic concessions during the negotiations. According to him, these included waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, access to certain frozen financial assets, and the launch of a reconstruction and development program aimed at supporting Iran’s economic recovery.
