OBBUERGEN, Switzerland (AP): Senior U.S. and Iranian negotiators concluded an initial round of talks Monday aimed at advancing a long-term agreement following last week’s ceasefire deal between the two countries.
The negotiations, hosted in Switzerland and facilitated by officials from Qatar and Pakistan, focused on several key issues, including regional security, the future of Iran’s nuclear program, and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a joint statement, Qatar and Pakistan said the two sides made progress and agreed to establish communication channels designed to help maintain safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and address ongoing tensions in Lebanon.
Vice President JD Vance is leading the U.S. delegation alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner. Iran’s delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
While negotiations continued through the weekend, reports indicated talks were briefly disrupted following public statements made by President Donald Trump and Iranian officials. However, discussions ultimately resumed and continued through Monday.
According to mediators, technical-level negotiations will remain underway in Switzerland throughout the week.
The talks are part of a 60-day framework established under last week’s agreement signed by U.S. and Iranian leaders. The negotiations are expected to address Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, regional security concerns, and the status of frozen Iranian assets.
One area receiving significant attention is Lebanon, where a ceasefire between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah organization appeared to be holding Monday. No major attacks were reported overnight, and Israeli officials announced plans to ease movement restrictions near the Israel-Lebanon border.
The Trump administration has also emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The waterway serves as one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for oil and natural gas.
Officials from both sides have not announced any final agreements, but negotiators are expected to continue discussions in the coming days as they work toward a broader and more permanent accord.
