The United States and Iran have completed the first round of peace talks in Switzerland, agreeing on a 60-day roadmap aimed at ending their conflict.
Mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, the discussions also established mechanisms to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon and ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as having “concluded successfully” in “a positive and constructive atmosphere”, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance said President Donald Trump had asked negotiators “to turn over a new leaf” with Iran.
On progress towards ending violence in Lebanon, Vance added, “These things are always a little bit messy.”
Iran said it secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, access to some frozen assets, and a reconstruction framework. Technical discussions are expected to continue throughout the week as both sides work toward a final agreement.
The talks were held under a memorandum reached last week to extend a fragile ceasefire. Despite recent tensions including Iran’s temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Trump’s warning that Iranian leaders “won’t have a country” if the waterway was shut again, mediators reported “encouraging progress.”
Meanwhile, violence between Hezbollah and Israel has eased significantly since Saturday, prompting Israel to lift safety restrictions in several border communities.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Israel supports a diplomatic resolution but insisted that any funds released under a deal must not strengthen Iran’s military.
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