The United States and Iran concluded the first round of high-level talks in Switzerland on Sunday aimed at advancing a ceasefire framework in the Middle East, following an early disruption when Iranian delegates briefly walked out in protest before later returning to negotiations that stretched late into the night at the Bürgenstock resort, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators.
A joint statement, cited by AFP on Monday, said the “high-level session within the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” included representatives from Iran, the United States, and mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. Despite initial tensions, the talks resumed and produced agreement on several foundational steps intended to guide forthcoming technical negotiations.
Iranian officials temporarily exited the session earlier in protest after remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, but diplomatic sources said the delegation rejoined discussions later in the evening and continued engagement with mediators.
The joint statement said both sides agreed on a 60-day roadmap toward a final agreement to end hostilities, establishing the basis for immediate technical-level talks. “The high-level committee has agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, establishing the basis for the immediate launch of further technical talks,” it said.
Washington and Tehran also agreed to establish communication channels designed to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. “Communication channels between both sides have been established to avoid incidents and misunderstandings with the aim of ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.
In addition, the negotiations addressed the conflict in Lebanon, with both parties agreeing to form a deconfliction mechanism involving Lebanon and facilitated by mediators to monitor compliance with a halt in military operations. “The parties agreed to establish a deconfliction unit, composed of the parties, Lebanon, and facilitated by mediators, to ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations in Lebanon,” the statement added.
Technical talks are expected to continue through the week as negotiators attempt to resolve outstanding issues across security and regional stability frameworks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as yielding “major progress,” crediting Pakistani and Qatari mediation efforts in a post on X and outlining early understandings on economic measures and sanctions relief.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who attended the talks alongside negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, called the negotiations a pivotal moment. “The question before us now is how much more can we achieve together?” Vance said. “Can we start a new chapter? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently, or do we go back to doing things the old way?”
