The first round of negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at securing a final peace agreement has ended with “encouraging progress,” according to mediators Qatar and Pakistan.
In a joint statement released on Monday after talks in Lucerne, Switzerland, the mediators said both sides agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days, with technical negotiations set to continue throughout the week.
The talks follow last week’s initial agreement between Washington and Tehran, which included a commitment to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pursue a broader peace deal.
According to the mediators, both countries also agreed to establish a communication channel to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Discussions also covered elements of a future nuclear agreement and measures to enforce the ceasefire in Lebanon.
The negotiations come amid renewed tensions after clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces continued despite the earlier agreement.
Iran had also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, although shipping data showed vessels were still transiting the waterway.
Ahead of the talks, US President Donald Trump warned Iran to rein in Hezbollah or risk fresh US military strikes.
Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed the threat, insisting Tehran would not be pressured by Washington.
US Vice President JD Vance said President Trump wanted to “turn over a new leaf” with Iran if Tehran abandoned its nuclear weapons ambitions and stopped destabilising the region.
Iran, however, maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
The initial agreement between both countries also includes plans for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of US sanctions on Iran and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction package.
However, key issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme remain under negotiation.
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