Iran Says Switzerland Talks Laid Groundwork for US Deal, Secured Oil Waivers and Frozen Asset Releases

22/06/2026

Iran Says Switzerland Talks Laid Groundwork for US Deal, Secured Oil Waivers and Frozen Asset Releases

TEHRAN, Jun 22: Iran’s Foreign Ministry says recent negotiations in Switzerland moved beyond immediate implementation disputes and included discussions on launching talks toward a final agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said nearly 18 hours of talks involving Iran, the United States, and mediators from Qatar and Pakistan helped lay the groundwork for future negotiations.

Baghaei said the parties also agreed on a mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz , a key issue linked to the recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.

He added that Qatar and Pakistan would issue a text outlining the general points agreed by the parties.

According to Baghaei, the work of the negotiating delegations has concluded for now, though technical teams will remain engaged to discuss implementation and unresolved issues.

Araghchi Claims Economic Relief Secured

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks had already produced significant results for Tehran, including sanctions-related relief and economic measures.

In a post on X, Araghchi praised Pakistani and Qatari mediation, saying it had delivered “major progress” toward ending the Lebanon war and implementing the Iran-US memorandum of understanding.

He pointed to what he described as sanctions waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the lifting of the blockade, the release of some frozen Iranian assets, and a major reconstruction and development plan for Iran.

“The first real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” Araghchi wrote.

The comment appeared to refer to a provision in a joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan after the Switzerland talks. According to the statement, Iran and the United States agreed to establish a deconfliction cell involving both countries and the Lebanese government, with Qatar and Pakistan facilitating the process.

The mechanism is intended to help ensure adherence to the termination of military operations in Lebanon under the memorandum of understanding.

Araghchi’s remarks came shortly after Qatar and Pakistan said the talks had produced “encouraging progress” and established a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days.