The United States and Iran have wrapped up the first round of peace negotiations in Buergenstock, Switzerland, with mediators reporting initial progress toward a framework aimed at ending hostilities.
The discussions, facilitated through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, were held at a Swiss mountain resort and concluded early Monday.
According to the mediators, both sides made what they described as “encouraging progress,” although disagreements reportedly remain over issues linked to Lebanon and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
The parties also agreed in principle to pursue a broader settlement within 60 days, alongside continued technical discussions and a coordination mechanism to manage ongoing tensions.
Pakistan and Qatar said the proposed arrangement includes steps to reduce fighting in Lebanon and establish communication channels to ensure safe maritime movement through the Strait.
The talks followed a provisional understanding reached the previous week aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire, even as reports emerged of renewed tensions over maritime access and political rhetoric from both sides.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, described the outcome of the meeting as constructive, noting that it produced a roadmap toward a final agreement, supported by an oversight structure and further technical engagement.
On the U.S. side, Vice President JD Vance, who led the delegation, said Washington was acting on instructions to pursue a reset in relations and reduce tensions with Tehran.
He added that discussions also touched on efforts to de-escalate violence in Lebanon, describing the process as complex but moving forward.
The Iranian delegation, led by senior diplomat Mohammad Qalibaf, has returned to Tehran, while technical-level engagements are expected to continue.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, said the talks included understandings on sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and support for reconstruction efforts.
Following the joint statement, global oil prices declined slightly as concerns over supply disruptions eased, with Brent crude trading below 80 dollars per barrel.
The negotiations were held under an earlier memorandum aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire arrangement and creating conditions for longer-term stability.
Reports also indicated that tensions briefly escalated before the talks, with disagreements over maritime security and diplomatic conditions being managed through intermediaries.
Despite remaining differences, both sides are said to have maintained indirect communication through mediators throughout the process.
In the wider regional context, violence along the Israel–Lebanon border has reportedly eased in recent days, with security sources noting a relative lull compared to previous weeks.
Israeli authorities have since relaxed certain security restrictions in border communities, while diplomatic consultations continue involving Lebanon, Qatar and U.S. officials.
Israel has indicated openness to a diplomatic resolution but insists that any agreement must prevent external financial support from strengthening armed groups in the region.
The outcome of the Switzerland talks is expected to guide further negotiations as efforts continue to stabilise the region and prevent a wider escalation of conflict.