Fez– The first round of talks between the United States and Iran ended on Monday with what mediators described as “encouraging progress,” raising hopes for a broader agreement to end months of tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
Qatar and Pakistan, which are mediating the negotiations in Switzerland, said both sides had agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days.
Technical discussions are expected to continue in the coming days.
According to the BBC, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations had produced “major progress” toward ending the conflict in Lebanon, one of the key issues linked to the wider agreement.
The talks resulted in the creation of a communication channel to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through the strategic waterway, mediators announced.
The discussions are based on a memorandum of understanding signed last week that includes commitments to halt fighting on multiple fronts, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease sanctions on Iran, and launch a large reconstruction plan for the country.
Araghchi said the agreement would lead to the lifting of some restrictions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports, the release of frozen assets, and new development projects.
Despite the diplomatic progress, tensions remain high.
Fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has intensified in southern Lebanon in recent days, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire efforts.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran to stop supporting armed groups in Lebanon, threatening renewed military action if instability continued.
Iranian lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed the warning, saying Tehran would not be pressured by threats.
Speaking before the negotiations, US Vice-President JD Vance said Washington was ready to “turn over a new leaf” if Iran abandoned what he described as regional destabilization and long-term nuclear ambitions.
Iran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear programme is peaceful.
The issue of Iran’s nuclear activities remains unresolved and is expected to be one of the most difficult topics in future negotiations.
For now, mediators say the talks have created momentum, but significant challenges remain before a lasting agreement can be reached.
