The United States and Iran have agreed on a comprehensive roadmap to reach a final peace deal within 60 days and to establish a dedicated mechanism aimed at ending the war in Lebanon, as the first session of high-level talks under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding concluded here on Monday.
The representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States of America, and the two mediating parties, the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, participated in the talks that will continue for the remainder of the week at the Burgenstock resort on all issues, according to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar.
The high-level talks were led by a leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and the Speaker of the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who each headed their respective delegations.
Under the newly established framework, the two nations have agreed to set up a direct communication line to prevent maritime incidents and ensure safe passage in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“The Lake Lucerne Summit was conducted in a positive and constructive atmosphere. Encouraging progress has been made, including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” the statement said.
It said that building on the MoU, the parties have agreed to the establishment of a High-Level Committee, which will provide political oversight on the mediation. Chief negotiators will report regularly to the High Level Committee and lead working groups focused on nuclear, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute resolution group to ensure the effective implementation of the MoU, and on other matters.
It said that the High Level Committee has agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks.
In addition, a communication line between the parties has been formed to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Moreover, the parties also agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon as per the MoU.
The mediating parties will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations continue to be conducted in a constructive atmosphere with the aim of reaching a final deal.
“The State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan express their sincere appreciation to the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their ongoing commitment to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” the statement added, commending the brotherly and friendly countries for their continued support and valuable contribution to the ongoing negotiations.
Following the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “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 and development plan launched for Iran.”
“1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” he added.
