By Sharon Kyomugisha
Qatar and Pakistan say the first high-level talks between the United States and Iran under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding have ended in Switzerland with progress towards a final agreement.
In a joint statement issued from Lucerne on June 22, 2026, the two mediators said the meeting was held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and had produced a framework for further technical talks.
The talks were attended by representatives of the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan.
According to the statement, the parties agreed to establish a High Level Committee to provide political oversight on the mediation process. Chief negotiators are expected to report regularly to the committee and lead working groups on nuclear issues, sanctions, monitoring and dispute resolution.
The committee agreed on a 60-day roadmap towards a final deal, with further technical talks expected to begin immediately.
The statement also said a communication line has been created between the parties to avoid incidents and miscommunication, especially to guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The parties further agreed to form a de-confliction cell involving the parties, Lebanon and the mediators to ensure compliance with the termination of military operations in Lebanon under the MoU.
Technical talks are expected to continue for the rest of the week at the Burgenstock resort.
Qatar and Pakistan said they would continue mediation efforts and praised the United States and Iran for what they described as continued commitment to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
They also thanked friendly and brotherly countries for supporting the negotiations.
