US-Iran talks begin in Switzerland: First round ends in “positive atmosphere”

Following the memorandum signed between the United States and Iran, attention shifted to the four-party talks held in Switzerland. The first round of meetings in Bürgenstock, attended by the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan, was completed in what mediators described as a positive atmosphere. Qatar and Pakistan said progress had been made on several issues, including the establishment of a mechanism to continue technical negotiations.

First round completed in Bürgenstock

The foreign ministries of Qatar and Pakistan issued a joint statement on the talks. The statement said the parties met in Switzerland after the memorandum signed between Washington and Tehran.

It noted that the first day of talks in Bürgenstock was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, paving the way for further technical discussions.

High-level committee to be formed

The parties agreed to establish a high-level committee to oversee the political aspects of the mediation process. Chief negotiators will submit regular reports to the relevant committees on the nuclear file and sanctions.

The statement also said the parties had agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.

Communication channel for Hormuz

A direct communication channel was also established between the parties to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The channel is intended to prevent incidents and misunderstandings at sea. It will remain active during the period specified in the fifth paragraph of the memorandum.

Working group on Lebanon

The parties also agreed to set up a working group aimed at reducing tensions. Under the memorandum, the group will focus on ensuring the halt of military operations in Lebanon. The working group is expected to include both sides as well as Lebanon.

Technical talks to continue throughout the week

Technical talks in Bürgenstock are planned to continue throughout the week.

Qatar and Pakistan said they would maintain their mediation efforts to help the negotiations result in a final agreement.

The joint statement also thanked Iran and the United States for their commitment to diplomatic solutions and peaceful settlement, while expressing appreciation to other countries that supported the process.

Iran says progress made on Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi also commented on the negotiations with the United States. Arakchi said the working group to prevent further conflict in Lebanon would be a real test. He stated that progress had been made through Pakistan-Qatar mediation toward ending the war in Lebanon.

Oil restrictions and frozen assets

Arakchi also said restrictions on Iran’s oil exports had been lifted and the blockade had ended. The Iranian foreign minister added that part of Iran’s frozen assets had been released.

Islamabad Memorandum launched the process

Iran and the United States announced on June 14 that they had reached a 14-point memorandum through Pakistan-mediated talks.

The memorandum, known as the Islamabad Memorandum, was signed digitally on June 18 by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, bringing it into force.

The document includes provisions on ending the war, addressing conflict-related issues including Lebanon, opening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade on Iran.