Iran and US set 60-day roadmap, agree on Hormuz line and Lebanon cell after Swiss talks
Iran and the United States have agreed on a communication line to secure the Strait of Hormuz and a conflict management cell for Lebanon after the first session of Swiss-mediated talks, mediators said Monday.
The first session of negotiations between Iran and the United States, held at a luxury hotel in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, concluded early Monday with what Pakistani and Qatari mediators described as "encouraging progress." The two sides agreed on a roadmap to reach a definitive agreement within 60 days, laying the groundwork for immediate technical discussions that will continue throughout the week.
A roadmap to reach a definitive agreement within 60 days was agreed upon, laying the foundations for an immediate start of new technical discussions.
Hormuz communication line
A key outcome was the establishment of a "communication line" between the parties to secure transit in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The mediators stated the line aims to prevent incidents and communication problems, with the objective of ensuring safe passage for commercial ships. The strait, through which a fifth of global hydrocarbon trade transited before the war, had been closed by Iran on Saturday in retaliation for ongoing clashes in Lebanon.
A communication line between the parties has been created (...) to avoid incidents and communication problems, with the objective of ensuring safe passage for commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
- US and Iran sign memorandum of understanding
- Deadly clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue in Lebanon
- Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz in retaliation
- First session of negotiations begins at Bürgenstock, Switzerland
- Mediators announce roadmap, communication line, and conflict cell
Lebanon conflict cell
The talks also produced a "conflict management cell" to end fighting between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The cell will include representatives from the United States, Iran, and the Lebanese government, with support from the facilitating countries. Deadly clashes had continued Friday and Saturday despite a clause in the framework agreement calling for a cessation of hostilities on all fronts.
Pakistani and Qatari mediation has enabled major progress to end the war in Lebanon.
Iran's concessions and oil prices
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a member of the delegation, listed points from the June 17 memorandum of understanding: oil and petrochemical exports are no longer restricted, the blockade is lifted, some frozen assets are released, and a major reconstruction and development plan for Iran has been launched. Oil prices dipped following the announcements, with Brent crude down 1.41% and WTI down 0.20% to $75.70 per barrel as of early Monday Swiss time.
US delegation and next steps
The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, did not immediately react to the outcomes. Technical discussions are set to continue for the rest of the week, with the 60-day clock now ticking toward a definitive agreement.
