Delivered Major Progress to End Lebanon War: Araghchi on Iran-US Talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives for a bilateral meeting with Switzerland’s counterpart at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (AFP)

Araghchi said the negotiations, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, resulted in the waiver of restrictions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, the release of some frozen Iranian assets

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday said significant progress had been achieved during the first session of technical talks with the United States under the framework of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon emerging as the “first real test” of the process.

In a post on X, Araghchi said the negotiations, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, resulted in the waiver of restrictions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, the release of some frozen Iranian assets, and discussions on a major reconstruction and development plan for Iran.

“Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran,” Araghchi wrote.

He added that the next key challenge would be the establishment of a de-confliction mechanism involving the negotiating parties and Lebanon to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations under the MoU.

1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” he stated.

The first session of high-level US-Iran talks concluded on Sunday at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan described the discussions as “encouraging” and announced a roadmap aimed at securing a final agreement within 60 days.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the mediators said the summit was held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and resulted in the creation of a mechanism for continued technical negotiations.

The parties agreed to establish a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the mediation process. Chief negotiators will regularly report to the committee while leading working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute-resolution mechanism to support implementation of the MoU. “

The High Level Committee has agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks,” the statement said.

The parties also agreed to establish a direct communication line during the negotiation period to prevent incidents and miscommunication, particularly to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, a de-confliction cell involving the parties and Lebanon, facilitated by the mediators, will be established to oversee compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon.

Technical discussions are expected to continue throughout the week at the Bürgenstock resort, covering all remaining issues.

Qatar and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the negotiations and ensuring they continue in a constructive atmosphere aimed at reaching a final agreement. The mediators also thanked both Washington and Tehran for their commitment to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, while expressing appreciation to friendly nations supporting the talks.

( Source : ANI )