PM Shehbaz says US–Iran talks yield ‘encouraging progress’ in Switzerland

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

The first round of four-party talks involving Iran and the US, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the agreement earlier this week.

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said, “Alhamdulillah, the First High-Level Committee Meeting… has concluded successfully in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.”

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

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

He also thanked “all brotherly and friendly countries” for what he called their “valuable support in advancing this historic process”.

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

He further acknowledged Switzerland’s role “for their facilitation in hosting these talks.”

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

He also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, commending his “diplomatic efforts along with his team at the Foreign Office.” The prime minister further appreciated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying he “contributed immensely to the success of these talks.”

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

The premier vowed that Pakistan would “continue to play its honest and sincere role in advancing dialogue and diplomacy towards a peaceful and lasting resolution,” signalling continued engagement as technical-level talks proceed in Switzerland.

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

It also announced the creation of a Pakistan- and Qatar-facilitated “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon to oversee compliance with commitments related to the cessation of military operations in the country.

On June 18, PM Shehbaz signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ as a mediator, formalising the major diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran. Israel, left out of the peace talks, has distanced itself from the US-Iran accord and kept up fighting against the Iranian-allied Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether ​the agreement would hold.

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

It quickly spiralled into a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon; driven up energy prices; renewed inflationary pressures and sparked concerns about a ​major food supply crisis in developing countries.