LUCERNE, Switzerland — Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar said high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland have made “encouraging progress,” with both sides agreeing to a roadmap aimed at reaching a broader agreement within 60 days and launching additional technical negotiations.
The talks, held at the Bürgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne, concluded their first round earlier this week. In a joint statement released on Monday, Pakistan and Qatar said discussions were conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and resulted in several mechanisms intended to advance negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to the mediators, one of the main outcomes was the creation of a high-level committee to oversee the political aspects of the mediation process. The committee will receive reports from chief negotiators and supervise working groups focused on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions-related issues, monitoring arrangements and dispute-resolution mechanisms.
“The high-level committee agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days,” the mediators said in their joint statement, adding that a new round of technical talks would begin immediately.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the discussions had concluded successfully and described the atmosphere as constructive. He said negotiators achieved significant progress and agreed on a framework for continued engagement.
The negotiations mark one of the highest-level direct contacts between U.S. and Iranian officials in recent years. The talks are taking place under a memorandum of understanding reached earlier this month and are intended to address a range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions, regional security concerns and maritime stability in the Strait of Hormuz.
Mediators also announced the establishment of a communication channel designed to prevent incidents and misunderstandings affecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. In addition, participants agreed to create mechanisms aimed at reducing tensions linked to ongoing hostilities in Lebanon.
The negotiations have not been without difficulties. U.S. and Iranian officials acknowledged that public statements and regional developments complicated discussions at various stages, although both sides continued talks through direct meetings and mediation channels.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance participated in the Swiss meetings alongside senior administration envoys, while Iranian representatives were led by senior government officials. Details of specific concessions or draft agreements remain unclear.
Technical-level negotiations are scheduled to continue throughout the week in Switzerland. Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar said they would maintain their efforts to support dialogue as negotiators work toward the 60-day target for a potential final agreement.
