The 60-day mediation period outlined in the agreement between the United States and Iran began this past weekend, with Pakistani and Qatari mediators announcing major progress in the talks today.
The Times of Israel reports that negotiations got off to a rocky start, with Iranian representatives reportedly leaving the venue in Switzerland after threats were exchanged between the two sides. Despite the tensions, the countries have agreed to establish a de-confliction cell in Lebanon as part of broader efforts to end hostilities involving Iran.
“The parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon,” the joint statement read. The statement mentioned neither Hezbollah nor Israel.
Commenting after the first day of talks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there was “major progress” made.
“Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War,” Araghchi posted on X, saying the establishment of a de-confliction cell in the Lebanon conflict is the “1st real test.”
He noted other areas of progress in the negotiations in Switzerland: “Oil and Petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation in Switzerland. President Donald Trump issued warnings on Truth Social regarding ongoing Hezbollah activity in southern Lebanon. Iranian representatives responded with warnings of their own, and Iranian state media reported that mediators had left the talks in response. However, U.S. officials present at the meeting said the mediators remained and that discussions continued into the evening.
Another point of disagreement between the two sides concerns Tehran’s nuclear program. Iranian state media claimed the issue was not discussed, while U.S. diplomats stated that it was addressed extensively as a starting point for the technical rounds of negotiations expected in the coming days.
As the Strait of Hormuz reopens, the two countries have also established a direct communication line to help prevent potential incidents. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and the IDF continue to clash in Lebanon. On Saturday, it was reported that Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari, 21, was killed in an attack that wounded 13 others.
The Fellowship and its supporters pray for the success of the United States in these talks and that these long-sought dialogues will lead to shalom—peace
