Iran, US make progress at Swiss talks as new committee established

Representatives from Iran and the United States concluded a first round of high-level negotiations in Switzerland, reporting what mediators described as "encouraging progress" and agreeing to establish a new mechanism for continued talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement within 60 days.

The talks, held at the Bürgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne, were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and were mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, Caliber.Az reports. 

Joint Statement by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Regarding The Conclusion of Lake Lucerne Summit, First High-Level Committee Meeting with Participation of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Lucerne | June 22, 2026

The first… pic.twitter.com/bLVpaR2uua

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 22, 2026

In a joint statement issued after the summit, the mediators said discussions had taken place in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and resulted in the creation of a High-Level Committee that will provide political oversight for the negotiation process.

Under the newly agreed structure, chief negotiators from Iran and the United States will report regularly to the committee and oversee several specialised working groups. These groups will focus on nuclear issues, sanctions, and monitoring and dispute-resolution mechanisms intended to support implementation of the memorandum and any future agreement.

According to the statement, participants also approved a roadmap aimed at securing a final deal within 60 days and agreed to immediately begin a new phase of technical negotiations.

To reduce the risk of misunderstandings during the negotiation period, the parties established a direct communication channel designed to prevent incidents and facilitate the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

The summit additionally produced an agreement to establish a de-confliction cell involving Iran, the United States, and Lebanon, with facilitation from Qatar and Pakistan. The mechanism is intended to support compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon outlined in the memorandum.

Technical-level discussions are expected to continue throughout the week at the Bürgenstock resort as negotiators work through outstanding issues.

Qatar and Pakistan praised both Washington and Tehran for their commitment to diplomacy and expressed appreciation for the support provided by other countries involved in backing the mediation effort.

The Lake Lucerne Summit marks the first formal session of high-level talks under the Islamabad framework and represents a significant diplomatic effort to address regional tensions through negotiation rather than military confrontation.

By Sabina Mammadli