Global

The first round of negotiations between the US and Iran to reach a final deal to end the war has concluded with "encouraging progress", mediators Qatar and Pakistan say. The talks began on Sunday in Switzerland, after last week's initial agreement between the two countries. In a joint statement on Monday, Qatar and Pakistan said that a "High Level Committee" had agreed to "a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days". Technical talks will continue throughout the week. This statement from Pakistan and Qatar reads that the first session of the high-level talks between Iran and the United States has ended. It was a productive session, and they were constructive talks that were held there. Now, they’re going to be building on the MoU and, immediately throughout this week, technical-level talks here in Switzerland are going to continue. They have now formed a high-level committee that is going to be providing political oversight over the mediation and subgroups that will work on the nuclear issue, the sanctions issue, and on monitoring and dispute resolution. The mediators' joint statement said that a "communication line" had been formed "to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz". Last week's initial agreement includes a commitment to reach a final deal within 60 days, as well as an end to fighting on "all fronts" - including in Lebanon - and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.