BÜRGENSTOCK, Switzerland — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that negotiators had made “major progress” toward securing a ceasefire in Lebanon as U.S. and Iranian officials concluded the first round of high-level talks aimed at reducing regional tensions and advancing a broader diplomatic agreement.
The talks, held at the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock and mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, focused on a range of issues including Lebanon, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. Mediators said the two sides agreed on a 60-day roadmap toward a broader settlement and established mechanisms intended to prevent further escalation in Lebanon.
Speaking after the discussions, Araghchi described the negotiations as productive despite tensions that briefly disrupted the process. “Progress” had been achieved, he said, according to reports from the talks. Iranian officials have repeatedly identified ending hostilities in Lebanon as a central condition for any lasting understanding with Washington.
According to statements issued by the mediators, the parties agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon's government to address ceasefire violations and reduce the risk of renewed military operations. The mechanism is intended to facilitate communication among relevant parties and support implementation of commitments made under earlier understandings.
The negotiations follow a memorandum of understanding reached earlier this month between the United States and Iran. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that developments in Lebanon are inseparable from broader regional ceasefire efforts. Araghchi said last week that ending military operations in Lebanon was “the most important” element of the agreement and a prerequisite for a comprehensive settlement.
U.S. officials also reported encouraging signs following the talks. Vice President JD Vance said the discussions had established a “good foundation” for a final agreement and noted that technical negotiations would continue in the coming days. Mediators said violence in Lebanon had decreased since the latest diplomatic efforts began, although tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah remained unresolved.
The talks took place against a backdrop of months of regional instability. Previous negotiations had been complicated by continuing military activity in Lebanon and disagreements over the terms of a ceasefire. Earlier this month, Iranian officials said no meaningful progress had been achieved, underscoring the significance of the latest developments.
Under the framework announced on Sunday, technical working groups are expected to continue discussions throughout the week. Mediators said the parties would seek to finalize arrangements related to Lebanon, maritime security and sanctions issues within the agreed 60-day period.
As of Sunday, no final ceasefire agreement for Lebanon had been announced. Officials from all sides said negotiations would continue, while details regarding enforcement mechanisms and long-term security arrangements remained unclear.
