PM Shehbaz says US-Iran talks produce ‘encouraging progress’ in Switzerland

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed the “successful conclusion” of the first meeting of the High Level Committee held under the Islamabad MoU in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, and said the talks have produced “encouraging progress” and a roadmap towards a final agreement within 60 days.

The first round of four-party talks involving Iran and the United States, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the agreement was signed earlier this week.

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He added that the discussions were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and “produced encouraging progress”, including “an agreement on a roadmap towards a final agreement within 60 days”, the establishment of a “High Level Committee to provide political oversight” and the start of new technical negotiations.

The prime minister said he “congratulates the leaders of both the United States and Iran for their continued commitment to constructive engagement,” adding that he appreciated their “continued commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.”

He also thanked “all brother and friendly countries” for what he called their “valuable support to advance this historic process.”

Sharif singled out Qatar for special praise, saying: “I would like to express my gratitude to our brother country, Qatar, for its critical support in creating the necessary conditions for these negotiations to move forward.”

He also recognized Switzerland’s role “for its facilitation in the organization of these talks.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz paid a “special tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir” for his “tireless efforts” that made the talks possible, adding that his “dedication, commitment and perseverance are truly commendable, without which there would have been no progress.”

He also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, praising his “diplomatic efforts along with his team at the Ministry of External Affairs.” The prime minister further thanked Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying he “contributed immensely to the success of these talks”.

Read: Foreign Minister Dar welcomes ‘substantial progress’ in US-Iran negotiations

The prime minister pledged that Pakistan “will continue to play its honest and sincere role in advancing dialogue and diplomacy towards a peaceful and lasting resolution”, signaling continued commitment as talks at the technical level progress in Switzerland.

According to a joint statement by Pakistan and Qatar, the parties agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days. A communication channel would be established during the negotiations to avoid incidents and miscommunications, including measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

He also announced the creation of a “conflict resolution cell” facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar involving Lebanon to monitor compliance with commitments related to the cessation of military operations in the country.

On June 18, Prime Minister Shehbaz signed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” as a mediator, formalizing the important diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran. Israel, excluded from the peace talks, has distanced itself from the US-Iran deal and has continued to fight the militant group Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether the deal will hold.

The United States and Israel launched war against Iran on February 28, assassinating former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day.

It quickly became a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon; rising energy prices; They renewed inflationary pressures and raised concerns about a major food supply crisis in developing countries.