Qatar and Pakistan say Iran, U.S., Lebanon talks advancing toward 60-day deal framework

Qatar and Pakistan, which are mediating talks between the United States and Iran, issued a joint statement after the first day of high-level negotiations in Switzerland, which lasted 18 hours. They said the talks were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and produced “encouraging progress.”

The statement said the sides agreed to create a mechanism for further technical talks, and to establish a high-level committee that will provide political oversight of the mediation. The heads of the negotiating teams will report regularly to that committee, which has also agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.

The parties also agreed to set up a “de-confliction cell” involving the sides and Lebanon, with the mediators’ support, to ensure compliance with ending military operations in Lebanon. The technical talks are set to continue for the rest of the week at the Bürgenstock resort.