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High-stakes negotiations aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict concluded on Monday, as Iran and the United States agreed to establish a “de-confliction cell” to address escalating violence in Lebanon, according to mediators Pakistan and Qatar.
The talks, held in Switzerland and described as the opening stage of a 60-day diplomatic push, adjourned early Monday with lower-level technical discussions expected to continue throughout the week.
Mediators said the proposed coordination mechanism would include the Lebanese government and is intended to “ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon.”
However, it remains unclear whether the arrangement will be sufficient to halt fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.
The proposed de-confliction framework comes amid continued clashes involving Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed anti-Israel group, and Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon.
While a recent ceasefire arrangement brokered on Saturday appeared to be holding in parts of the border region, underlying tensions remain unresolved.
A statement from mediators Pakistan and Qatar described the talks as “making major progress,” while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the success of the de-confliction mechanism would serve as the first major test of the negotiations.
The start of the talks was marked by heightened tensions following comments from President Donald Trump, who warned Iran against supporting armed groups in Lebanon and threatened military action if attacks continued.
His remarks drew criticism from Iranian officials, who accused Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said Tehran’s forces were prepared to respond, while signalling that Iran remained engaged in the diplomatic process.
US negotiators, including Vice President JD Vance, along with envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, held closed-door discussions with Iranian officials and mediators for roughly 80 minutes, according to Iranian state media.
Tensions also escalated over conflicting claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Iran asserted it had temporarily closed the passage over the weekend, while US officials said commercial traffic continued uninterrupted.
A senior US diplomat involved in the talks said negotiators sought clarification on Iran’s statements and discussed mechanisms to guarantee continued maritime access.
Iran’s broader position links progress in maritime security and sanctions relief to developments in Lebanon and its nuclear programme.
The negotiations are also focused on Iran’s nuclear activities, with Washington seeking limits on enrichment and guarantees against weaponisation —claims Iran denies.
The emerging agreement reportedly includes provisions for temporary sanctions waivers and commitments to reduce Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, though key details remain under negotiation.
The conflict’s regional scope continues to complicate diplomacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain military pressure in southern Lebanon until Israeli security concerns are addressed, while Hezbollah has rejected any ceasefire that does not include a full Israeli withdrawal.
Meanwhile, participants described the process as a compressed 60-day effort to reach a broader settlement covering Lebanon, Iran’s nuclear programme, and maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
Despite early signs of coordination, officials on all sides acknowledged that the most contentious issues—particularly the situation in Lebanon—remain unresolved as talks proceed.
