U.S.-Iran Talks in Switzerland Conclude: Agreement Reached on Management Frameworks for Hormuz and Lebanon

The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran, held in Switzerland to discuss the implementation of a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), concluded in the early hours of June 22, local time.

The two sides, which held marathon negotiations over two days, agreed on a roadmap aiming for a final agreement within the next 60 days, as well as the establishment of management frameworks for conflicts related to the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon.

Qatar and Pakistan, the mediators of the ceasefire negotiations, issued a joint statement after the talks. They announced that the U.S. and Iran have agreed to establish a high-level committee to provide political oversight regarding the implementation of the MOU. This committee has agreed on a roadmap to sign a final ceasefire agreement within the next 60 days.

The statement specifically noted, "The parties (U.S. and Iran) have agreed to establish a 'de-escalation mechanism' between the parties and Lebanon, with the assistance of the mediators, to ensure compliance with the end of military operations in Lebanon as stipulated by the MOU."

It also stated, "A 'communication line' has been established between the parties to prevent accidents and miscalculations, with the goal of ensuring safe passage for merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz."

Furthermore, the U.S. and Iran have decided to continue working-level talks this week in the presence of the mediators.

The Iranian side evaluated the results of the talks quite positively.

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Iranian state television after the talks, "We have reached an agreement (with the U.S.) on a mechanism for safe vessel passage in the Strait of Hormuz, which is a significant matter."

He added, "We discussed the issuance of permits necessary for Iran's oil exports and the release of frozen funds, which are very important issues, and significant progress has been made."

He emphasized, "The war must end on all fronts, including Lebanon," adding, "These conditions must be met first to enter negotiations for a final agreement in accordance with Article 13 of the MOU."

Article 13 of the ceasefire MOU stipulates that a final agreement can only be initiated once certain measures are taken, including the end of the war on all fronts such as Lebanon, the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, the issuance of permits for the export of Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products, and the release of frozen Iranian funds.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who attended the talks, stated on X, "Thanks to the persistent mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, significant progress has been made toward ending the war in Lebanon." He added, "Sanctions on Iran's oil and petrochemical exports have been waived, the blockade has been lifted, and a large-scale reconstruction and development plan for Iran has been launched, along with the release of some frozen funds."

He also wrote, "First real-world test: Lebanon de-escalation mechanism," emphasizing that the situation in Lebanon is a key factor for future negotiations.

Qatar and Pakistan also assessed in their joint statement that "the talks were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere," and that "encouraging progress has been made, including the establishment of mechanisms for future technical discussions."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.