Qatar and Pakistan Say US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Make “Encouraging Progress,” Set 60-Day Roadmap for Final Deal

LUCERNE, June 22:  Qatar and Pakistan said the first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland concluded in a “positive and constructive atmosphere,” with the parties agreeing on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Lake Lucerne Summit and the first meeting of a newly established High-Level Committee , the two mediating countries said “encouraging progress” had been achieved during talks held at the Bürgenstock Resort .

The discussions were convened under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Islamabad , with representatives from Iran and the United States participating alongside mediators from the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan .

According to the statement, the parties agreed to establish a high-level committee to oversee the political aspects of the mediation process.

Lead negotiators will submit periodic reports to the committee while also heading specialized working groups focused on key issues, including:

The mediators said the creation of these bodies is intended to ensure the effective implementation of the memorandum and maintain momentum toward a broader settlement.

Roadmap Toward Final Agreement

The high-level committee agreed on a roadmap designed to reach a final agreement within 60 days , the statement said.

The agreement paves the way for an immediate new round of technical talks, which are scheduled to continue throughout the rest of the week at the Bürgenstock Resort.

Qatar and Pakistan said the technical talks will address “all related issues” as the parties seek to move from political understandings toward practical implementation.

The statement also said the parties established a communication channel for the period specified in the memorandum of understanding.

The channel is intended to prevent incidents and misunderstandings and to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy shipments.

The issue has been a key point of concern in regional diplomacy, with any disruption in the strait carrying potential consequences for global energy markets and maritime security.

The United States and Iran also agreed to establish a working group aimed at preventing escalation in Lebanon.

The group will include representatives from both parties and the Lebanese Republic , with Qatar and Pakistan facilitating the process.

According to the joint statement, the mechanism is intended to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon, as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding.

Qatar and Pakistan said they would continue efforts to ensure the negotiations proceed in a constructive atmosphere and lead to a final agreement.

The two mediating countries expressed appreciation to the United States and Iran for what they described as their continued commitment to diplomatic solutions and their pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

They also commended “brotherly and friendly countries” for their support and contributions to the ongoing negotiations.

The statement did not provide further details on the contents of the memorandum of understanding or the specific concessions under discussion, but it framed the Lucerne meetings as a significant step toward a negotiated settlement.