First round of US-Iran talks held in positive and constructive atmosphere, sides make progress - Pakistan and Qatar

The first round of US-Iran talks in Switzerland took place in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and the sides made progress, the mediators, Pakistan and Qatar said in a joint statement.

According to the statement, the US and Iran agreed to establish a high-level committee to provide political oversight of the talks. The chief negotiators will report regularly to the committee and will lead three working groups - on the nuclear program, sanctions and monitoring the implementation of the agreement.

The parties also agreed to develop a 60-day roadmap for reaching a final agreement. A special communication channel will be established in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe navigation of commercial ships - to avoid incidents and misunderstandings. Iran accepts this obligation for a period of 60 days.

In addition, the parties agreed to establish a special coordination group in Lebanon, which will be led by Qatar and Pakistan, and whose goal will be to ensure the cessation of military operations in Lebanon.

Technical negotiations will continue in Switzerland this week.

"Technical negotiations will continue throughout the remainder of the week on all issues. The intervening parties will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations continue in a constructive atmosphere with a view to reaching a final agreement. The State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan express their sincere gratitude to the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their continued commitment to diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The intervening parties commend the brotherly and friendly countries for their continued support and valuable contributions to the ongoing negotiations," the statement said.