Web Desk: Senior US and Iranian officials concluded an initial round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, agreeing to pursue a framework for a broader settlement within 60 days despite sharp tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and renewed warnings from US President Donald Trump.
Mediators Qatar and Pakistan said both sides endorsed a roadmap toward a final agreement and would continue technical discussions throughout the week at the Swiss resort of Buergenstock.
The joint statement also announced plans for a direct communication channel aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. In addition, negotiators agreed to establish a mechanism to help end hostilities in Lebanon.
US Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation in talks that began on Sunday under a memorandum of understanding reached last week. The arrangement extended a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April and set a 60-day timeline for pursuing a broader settlement to the conflict that erupted on Feb. 28.
Negotiations stretched into the early hours of Monday, with both sides reporting progress despite disagreements over implementation of earlier commitments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran secured concessions that included waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets and the launch of a reconstruction and development initiative.
“Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress,” Araghchi wrote on social media, describing the Lebanon monitoring mechanism as the first major test of the agreement.
The White House did not immediately comment on the outcome of the talks.
The negotiations unfolded against the backdrop of renewed uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran announced over the weekend that it had once again halted maritime traffic through the waterway, citing continued violence in Lebanon.
The strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and its closure for nearly four months has caused one of the most severe disruptions to world energy markets on record.
A senior US diplomat involved in the negotiations said discussions focused on clarifying Iran’s position regarding the strait and developing mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted maritime traffic.
The diplomat said negotiators addressed a broad range of issues, including Lebanon, nuclear matters, implementation of the memorandum of understanding and maritime security.
Market reaction was swift. Brent crude futures fell more than $1 after the joint statement was released, settling around $79.44 per barrel as traders responded to signs of diplomatic progress.
While both sides described the talks as constructive, their accounts diverged over how negotiations proceeded after remarks by Trump became public.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian delegates suspended direct participation after Trump issued threats concerning the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, Tehran continued exchanging messages through Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries but insisted that Washington first implement commitments outlined in the memorandum, including sanctions waivers and asset releases.
A US diplomat disputed reports that Iran had withdrawn from negotiations, saying Iranian representatives remained engaged throughout the discussions.
“The Iranians never left and are still here meeting and negotiating deep into the night,” the diplomat said.
Shortly before talks began, Trump reiterated warnings against any attempt by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz.
According to US media reports, Trump told Iranian officials they risked severe consequences if they disrupted navigation through the waterway again. He also repeated earlier suggestions that the United States could assume control of the strait and potentially impose transit fees.
Later, Trump renewed pressure on Tehran over Hezbollah’s activities in Lebanon.
“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble,” Trump wrote on social media, warning that Washington could launch further military action if attacks continued.
However, Vance struck a more conciliatory tone during the negotiations, saying Trump wanted to open a new chapter in relations with the Iranian people.
“These things are always a little bit messy,” Vance told reporters when asked about ongoing violence in Lebanon.
Although a renewed ceasefire in Lebanon was announced on Friday, clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continued over the weekend, raising doubts about the durability of the truce.
Iran cited the ongoing violence as justification for its decision to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nevertheless, Sunday appeared calmer than previous days. There were no reports of major escalations by nightfall, following intense exchanges of fire earlier in the week.
The conflict has displaced more than one million people in Lebanon since fighting intensified after Israel launched operations against Hezbollah in March. More than 4,000 people have been killed during the latest phase of the war, according to local estimates.
On Sunday, Reuters journalists in southern Lebanon observed growing traffic flows as residents began returning to their communities. Some travelers waved Hezbollah flags while waiting in long lines of vehicles moving northward.
Negotiators are expected to remain in Switzerland for several more days as technical teams work on detailed arrangements related to maritime security, economic measures, nuclear issues and Lebanon’s ceasefire monitoring system.
Qatari and Pakistani mediators described the first round as “encouraging progress” but cautioned that significant challenges remain before a comprehensive agreement can be finalized within the 60-day target set by both sides.
