https://arab.news/pgrfv
BURGENSTOCK:Iran and the United States agreed Monday to set up communications lines to end fighting in Lebanon, mediators said, after their first round of talks in Switzerland toward ending the war in the Middle East.
Mediators Pakistan and Qatar said the talks took place in “a positive and constructive atmosphere.”
“Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” they said, detailing a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” at the Strait of Hormuz.”
A “de-confliction cell,” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been set up to prevent fighting from erupting again, they said.
Lebanon had been pitched into the conflict as Iran-allied Hezbollah attacked Israel over the war on Iran, prompting the Israelis’ bombardment of the neighboring country.
After a series of false starts, Washington and Tehran finally signed a memorandum of understanding toward ending the conflict that included a provision to end fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X after the talks in Switzerland.
“Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” he wrote.
The development came after a shaky start to the negotiations, with the Islamic Republic’s delegation walking out in response to US President Donald Trump’s threats to strike Iran over its support for Hezbollah Sunday.