In what could mark a significant turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has announced “major progress” toward ending the war on Iran, while warning that the ultimate test of good faith rests on the successful implementation of a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon.
Araqchi’s Monday morning social media post praised Pakistan and Qatar for their “tireless” mediation efforts, outlining tangible gains including waived oil and petrochemical export restrictions, the lifting of a naval blockade, release of frozen assets, and the launch of a major reconstruction plan for Iran. However, he struck a cautious note: “First real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell.”
The foreign minister’s remarks came as high-stakes technical negotiations between Iran and the United States unfolded in Switzerland, where the first round of talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) faced an abrupt disruption following threatening statements from Washington.
Swiss Talks Suspended Amid US Threats
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, confirmed to reporters early Monday that quadrilateral meetings were suspended after US President Donald Trump issued what Iran characterized as threatening remarks on Sunday.
“We 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,” Baghaei stated.
Despite the suspension, Baghaei confirmed that technical work would proceed, with Qatar and Pakistan attempting to maintain dialogue channels. Iran’s insistence on withdrawing from the quadrilateral format underscored deep-seated distrust, with Baghaei emphasizing that Tehran has “absolutely not forgotten previous experiences” and remains determined to meticulously pursue US commitments.
Mediators Confirm Progress Despite Setback
In a joint statement, Qatar and Pakistan confirmed that the first session of high-level talks at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” concluded in a “positive and constructive atmosphere.”
“Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” the mediators announced.
The parties agreed to establish a High-Level Committee for political oversight, with chief negotiators reporting regularly and leading working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute resolution mechanism. A roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days has been adopted.
Notably, the mediators announced the formation of a communication line to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a de-confliction cell involving Lebanon to guarantee adherence to the termination of military operations in the country.
Ceasefire Compliance Remains Non-Negotiable
According to informed sources cited by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the quadrilateral talks began at approximately 3:00 PM local time and were suspended after roughly 90 minutes for consultations. Following Trump’s threatening remarks, the Iranian delegation refused to return to the quadrilateral format.
Iran has made unequivocally clear that no progress on other issues is possible unless the first clause of the MoU concerning the end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon is fully implemented.
The 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed June 18 after months of Pakistani-mediated diplomacy, commits both sides to an “immediate and permanent” termination of military operations on “all fronts.” The agreement provides for the lifting of the US naval blockade within 30 days, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets, and a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
However, the path to implementation has proven rocky. Despite ceasefire commitments, Israeli forces have continued strikes in southern Lebanon, including deadly attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed dozens of civilians. Iran responded Saturday by announcing it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of failing to meet its commitment to halt fighting in Lebanon.
Trump’s Threats Draw Sharp Iranian Response
As Swiss talks commenced Sunday, Trump issued a series of threats on his social media platform and during a Fox News interview, warning that if Tehran placed restrictions on the strait, “You won’t have a country.” He also suggested the US might take control of the waterway and impose its own tolls.
Iran’s lead negotiator, Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, dismissed the threats with defiance: “Don’t they think that if their threats had any effect, they wouldn’t be in this desperate situation today? No matter how much they talk, it is we who take action.”
Ghalibaf later cautioned US officials to “be careful” with their statements, emphasizing that Iran’s armed forces remain ready to respond.
Regional Implications
The developments carry profound implications for regional stability, with the Lebanon ceasefire emerging as the critical barometer for broader diplomatic progress. The successful implementation of the de-confliction mechanism could pave the way for comprehensive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and the complete removal of sanctions within the 60-day framework.
As mediators work to salvage the quadrilateral format and maintain momentum, the international community watches closely whether the “encouraging progress” announced in Switzerland can translate into lasting peace on the ground or whether the familiar pattern of diplomatic breakthroughs undermined by military escalation will once again prevail.
Source: Iranian media (edite dby Al-Manar)