June 21, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\nThe negotiations at the B\u00fcrgenstock resort near Lake Lucerne marked the first formal review of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last week by Washington and Tehran to end months of conflict and launch talks on Iran\u2019s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security.<\/p>\n
A joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar said the parties had made \u201cencouraging progress\u201d and agreed to establish a high-level committee to oversee implementation of the accord and supervise future negotiations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe High Level Committee has agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
The mediators added that a dedicated communication channel had been established to avoid incidents and miscommunication and to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world\u2019s oil supplies normally pass.<\/p>\n
Talks marred by Trump\u2019s threats<\/p>\n
Despite the positive outcome, Iranian officials said negotiations were disrupted after Trump issued a series of threats against Tehran during the talks.<\/p>\n
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi praised Pakistan and Qatar for their efforts in keeping the process alive.<\/p>\n
\u201cTireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, the blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,\u201d Araqchi wrote on X.<\/p>\n
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said Tehran temporarily suspended participation in the quadrilateral format involving the United States, Pakistan and Qatar after Trump\u2019s remarks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a very long day. The meetings started on Sunday morning. During the quadrilateral session, threatening remarks from America were published, which led Iran to announce that it would not continue the quadrilateral meeting under such conditions,\u201d Baqaei told reporters.<\/p>\n
He said Qatar and Pakistan attempted to keep the discussions going, but Tehran refused to continue in the same format.<\/p>\n
Lebanon remains key obstacle<\/p>\n
Iranian officials reiterated that implementation of the agreement\u2019s first clause \u2014 ending military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon \u2014 remains the central issue.<\/p>\n
Baqaei said progress on broader negotiations would depend on adherence to that commitment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe implementation of the MoU demands the end of the war on all fronts,\u201d he said, adding that without it \u201centry into the negotiation phase for the final agreement is not possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Iran\u2019s Tasnim news agency, the quadrilateral talks began around 3 pm local time on Sunday but were suspended after approximately 90 minutes for consultations. Iranian delegates later declined to return.<\/p>\n
Tehran has repeatedly accused Washington of failing to restrain Israel, which continues to conduct military operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire brokered over the weekend.<\/p>\n
Under the MoU signed on June 18, military operations are to end immediately and permanently on all fronts, including Lebanon.<\/p>\n
Progress on sanctions, assets and shipping<\/p>\n
Despite the disputes, Baqaei said discussions had produced movement on several practical issues.<\/p>\n
He said progress had been made regarding authorisations needed for Iranian oil exports and the release of frozen Iranian assets.<\/p>\n
He also confirmed that a mechanism was being established to ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
Baqaei stressed that Iran would closely scrutinise US compliance with the agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIran has absolutely not forgotten previous experiences,\u201d he said, adding that Tehran was determined to pursue implementation of American commitments \u201cmeticulously\u201d.<\/p>\n
The joint statement confirmed that working groups would continue technical discussions on nuclear issues, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms and dispute resolution throughout the week.<\/p>\n
The mediators also announced the creation of a Lebanon \u201cde-confliction cell\u201d designed to monitor adherence to the cessation of hostilities.<\/p>\n
Hormuz and nuclear talks<\/p>\n
The MoU provides for the lifting of the US naval blockade against Iran within 30 days, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets and the establishment of a USD 300 billion reconstruction and development fund for Iran.<\/p>\n
It also launches a 60-day negotiating process aimed at reaching a final agreement covering Iran\u2019s nuclear programme, the removal of sanctions and a permanent end to the conflict.<\/p>\n
The talks come after weeks of volatility around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping disruptions linked to the conflict rattled global energy markets.<\/p>\n
Trump has warned Tehran against restricting navigation through the waterway and suggested Washington could impose its own tolls if a final deal is not reached.<\/p>\n
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed the threats.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t they think that if their threats had any effect, they wouldn\u2019t be in this desperate situation today?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter how much they talk, it is we who take action.\u201d<\/p>\n
He later warned US officials to \u201cbe careful\u201d with their statements and said Iran\u2019s armed forces stood ready to respond.<\/p>\n
Despite the sharp rhetoric, diplomats described the Lake Lucerne Summit as constructive and said the agreement on a 60-day roadmap represented the most significant step forward since the signing of the MoU last week.<\/p>\n
The mediators said they would continue working to ensure negotiations proceed \u201cin a constructive atmosphere\u201d with the goal of securing a comprehensive final agreement.<\/p>\n