The first round of negotiations between the US and Iran to reach a final deal to end the war has concluded with “encouraging progress”, mediators Qatar and Pakistan say.

📻 Breaking It Down

The talks began on Sunday in Switzerland, after last week’s initial agreement between the two countries.

In a joint statement on Monday, Qatar and Pakistan said that a “High Level Committee” had agreed to “a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days”. Technical talks will continue throughout the week.

Earlier, a US diplomat involved in negotiations said discussions were focused on “clarifying some of the confusing messaging from Iran” on the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz and enforcing the ceasefire in Lebanon.

📌 What You Need to Know

The mediators’ joint statement said that a “communication line” had been formed “to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz”.

Discussions also focused on “elements” of a nuclear deal, the US diplomat said, adding that both delegations, who were meeting in the Swiss city Lucerne, would use “today’s work as a starting point for ongoing technical talks going forward”.

Last week’s initial agreement includes a commitment to reach a final deal within 60 days, as well as an end to fighting on “all fronts” – including in Lebanon – and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, there has since been an upsurge in fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, and Israeli air strikes that the health ministry says have killed dozens of Lebanese including women and children.

That escalation led the US to declare a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday. Continued clashes and air strikes prompted Iran on Saturday to announce it had shut the Strait of Hormuz – though tracking data shows vessels have continued to pass through it.

The joint statement from Qatar and Pakistan said: “The parties agreed on the creation of a deconfliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon.”

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya