After 18 hours of talks, US and Iran move closer to final agreement

The parties also agreed to establish a joint de-escalation operations center focused on Lebanon.

By Yair Kleinbaum, JFeed

The diplomatic track between the United States and Iran gained significant momentum on Sunday following an intensive 18-hour round of negotiations held in Switzerland under the mediation of Qatar and Pakistan.

In a joint statement released after the summit at the Bürgenstock resort near Lake Lucerne, the mediators described the talks as “positive and constructive,” announcing what they called “encouraging progress” toward a final agreement between Washington and Tehran.

According to the statement, the parties approved a 60-day roadmap designed to lead to a comprehensive settlement of outstanding disputes.

The framework includes the immediate launch of technical negotiations on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and mechanisms for monitoring compliance and resolving disputes.

A newly established high-level committee will oversee the political aspects of the mediation process, while specialized working groups will focus on nuclear matters, sanctions, and implementation procedures.

One of the most notable developments is the creation of a direct communication channel between the United States and Iran aimed at preventing misunderstandings and ensuring the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The parties also agreed to establish a joint de-escalation operations center focused on Lebanon.

The mechanism, which will operate with the assistance of Qatar and Pakistan, is intended to help maintain the cessation of military activities in Lebanon and reduce the risk of renewed conflict.

Technical discussions are expected to continue throughout the coming week in Switzerland as negotiators work through the details of the proposed framework.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the progress, stating that the mediation efforts had produced meaningful results.

He highlighted the easing of certain economic restrictions, the release of some frozen assets, and plans for broader reconstruction and development initiatives.

However, Araghchi suggested that the true test of the emerging arrangement will be the effectiveness of the newly established Lebanon de-escalation mechanism.

Both mediators emphasized that negotiations are ongoing and that the coming 60 days will be critical in determining whether the current momentum can be translated into a lasting accord.