Iran and U.S. Agree to De-confliction Cell as Swiss Talks Move to Lower-level Sessions
High-level negotiations in Switzerland ended with Iran and the United States creating a de-confliction mechanism for Lebanon, while lower-level talks will continue later in the week.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that mediation by Pakistan and Qatar had produced "major progress" toward ending the Lebanon war, after the first round of high-level talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in a Swiss resort. The United States has not commented on the statement.
The delegations, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with Iranian officials headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Araghchi. Pakistan and Qatar acted as mediators.
According to a statement from the mediators, Iran and the United States agreed to establish a "de-confliction cell" that will include the Lebanese government and aim to ensure compliance with a cease-fire in Lebanon. The arrangement is intended to address ongoing fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia.
Negotiators said the talks mark the start of a 60-day diplomatic process to reach a permanent settlement to end the broader Iran-U.S. conflict. Issues on the agenda include the release of frozen Iranian assets, mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for shipping, and progress on Iran’s nuclear program.
A senior U.S. diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Iranians remained engaged and that discussions focused on clarifying Tehran’s recent statements about the strait and on mechanisms to enforce a cease-fire in southern Lebanon.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that 67 merchant vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the previous 24 hours, indicating continued traffic despite Iranian claims of a closure.
The talks are set to continue at lower levels for the remainder of the week, with the de-confliction cell to be formalised in subsequent sessions.
