Mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced overnight (Sunday–Monday) the creation of a “Lebanon Deconfliction Cell” aimed at “ending military operations in Lebanon,” without explicitly mentioning either Israel or Hezbollah by name.
The joint statement, issued following the conclusion of the first round of U.S.–Iran talks at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, also referred to the establishment of a high-level committee to oversee the negotiations, a roadmap for reaching a final agreement within 60 days, and the creation of a communication channel between the parties concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
“The first session of high-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has concluded in Bürgenstock, Switzerland,” the statement said. “Representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States of America, and the two mediating parties, the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, participated in the meeting.”
"The Lake Lucerne Summit was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere. Encouraging progress was made, including the establishment of a mechanism for further technical talks. Based on the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties agreed to establish a high-level committee that will provide political oversight of the mediation process. The lead negotiators will report regularly to the committee and will head working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute-resolution group to ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and address other matters.
"The high-level committee agreed on a roadmap toward reaching a final agreement within 60 days, thereby laying the groundwork for the immediate commencement of further technical talks. In addition, a communication channel was established between the parties for the period referred to in Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding, in order to prevent incidents and miscommunication, with the aim of ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Furthermore, the parties agreed to establish a deconfliction cell involving the parties, the Lebanese Republic, and under the guidance of the mediators, to ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations in Lebanon, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding. Technical talks on all issues will continue later this week at the Bürgenstock Resort."
"The mediators will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations proceed in a constructive atmosphere, with the goal of reaching a final agreement. The State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan express their sincere appreciation to the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their continued commitment to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The mediators commend friendly countries for their ongoing support and valuable contributions to the negotiations."
