Iran and U.S. Hold First Round of Swiss Talks, Agree to De-confliction Cell for Lebanon
High-level negotiations in Switzerland concluded with Iran and the United States planning lower-level talks and creating a de-confliction mechanism to address fighting in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that mediation by Pakistan and Qatar had produced "major progress" toward ending the Lebanon conflict, as delegations met overnight at a resort in Switzerland. The United States, represented by Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, did not comment on the statement.
The Iranian team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Araghchi, and the U.S. team concluded the first round of high-level talks on Monday. Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar announced that the parties had agreed to establish a "de-confliction cell" that will include the Lebanese government to monitor compliance with a cease-fire in Lebanon.
Negotiators said lower-level talks will continue later in the week to address remaining issues, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, oil-related sanctions, and mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. A senior U.S. diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that discussions also covered how to enforce a cease-fire in southern Lebanon.
The talks mark the start of a 60-day diplomatic process aimed at reaching a permanent agreement to end the broader Iran-U.S. conflict. Both sides emphasized that implementation of any agreement, particularly the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, is essential before further steps can be taken.
