The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Switzerland on Monday, with both sides agreeing to a roadmap aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement within the next 60 days.
A joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar said technical-level discussions would continue throughout the week at a resort in Buergenstock, Switzerland. The statement also noted that both delegations had agreed on a framework to support efforts toward ending hostilities in Lebanon and establishing a communication mechanism to ensure the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The negotiations began on Sunday under the framework of a memorandum of understanding reached last week, which extended a fragile ceasefire between the parties for an additional 60 days. Senior officials from both countries held discussions that continued into the early hours of Monday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the talks had resulted in progress on several economic issues, including waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of certain frozen assets, and plans for future reconstruction and development initiatives.
The White House had not issued an official statement on the outcome of the negotiations at the time of reporting.
The talks took place against the backdrop of continued regional tensions. Before negotiations began, US President Donald Trump warned Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz again, saying such a move would carry serious consequences. He also reiterated previous remarks regarding the strategic importance of the waterway.
President Trump said he supported last week’s diplomatic agreement as a means of preventing further disruption to global energy markets. Following reports of progress in the negotiations, international oil prices declined, reflecting cautious optimism among investors.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding the discussions. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency claimed that Iranian representatives suspended formal negotiations following President Trump’s remarks, although indirect communication reportedly continued through Pakistani and Qatari mediators.
However, a US official involved in the talks maintained that Iranian delegates remained engaged throughout the discussions. According to the official, the agenda covered issues including maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the situation in Lebanon, nuclear-related matters, and implementation of the memorandum.
The proposed agreement seeks to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors, while also promoting broader regional de-escalation.
Iran had previously announced restrictions on maritime traffic through the strait, arguing that previous commitments related to regional security had not been fully implemented. Iranian officials also indicated that substantive negotiations on nuclear issues would continue in later rounds.
US Vice President J.D. Vance described the discussions as constructive and said progress had been made on regional security issues, including efforts to reduce violence in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, President Trump warned that the United States could consider further action if regional militant groups continued attacks despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Although significant differences remain, officials from both sides described the conclusion of the first round of negotiations as a positive step toward a broader agreement. Diplomatic teams are expected to continue technical discussions in the coming days as they work toward a comprehensive settlement.
