The first round of talks between high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Switzerland has ended, mediators said, after a tense opening marked by Tehran’s announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump repeating his threats to resume attacks on Iran.
A joint statement from mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan said the US and Iran agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week at the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Burgenstock, according to the statement released by the Qatari foreign ministry.
The parties agreed to a mechanism to end the fighting in Lebanon and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passages for commercial ships through the contested strait, the statement said.
In a post on social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his country had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan for Iran.
The White House had no immediate comment when asked if talks had wrapped for now.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iranians said that the start of negotiations on nuclear matters required the delivery of other parts of the MOU, including the release of frozen assets and US waivers authorising Iranian oil exports.
Meanwhile, Araghchi said early Monday that negotiations with the US in Switzerland, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, had produced significant progress toward ending the war in Lebanon and easing pressure on Iran’s economy.
“Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran,” Araghchi said on the US social media platform X.
“1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” Araghchi said.
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In a separate statement, the Iranian foreign minister framed the diplomatic developments as part of a broader national effort.
“From the football pitch to the negotiating table to the battlefield, every step we take as Iranians is part of a larger struggle: defending the honor and dignity of our dear people,” he said.
