US, Iran agree on 60-day roadmap towards final peace deal

 The United States and Iran have agreed to a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days, according to a joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar following high-level talks in Switzerland.

The statement said technical-level discussions would continue throughout the week at the Swiss mountain resort of Bürgenstock. Both sides also agreed on a mechanism to help end hostilities in Lebanon and established a communication channel intended to facilitate safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials held negotiations on Sunday under the framework of a memorandum of understanding reached last week to extend an existing ceasefire. Discussions continued into the early hours of Monday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets and the launch of a reconstruction and development plan.

Despite signs of progress, differing accounts emerged regarding the talks. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian negotiators objected to remarks by US President Donald Trump and communicated through mediators rather than direct discussions.

A US diplomat involved in the talks, however, said negotiations continued throughout the night and covered issues including the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, nuclear matters and implementation of the memorandum.

Oil prices fell following the announcement, with Brent crude dropping to $79.44 per barrel as markets reacted to hopes of easing regional tensions and improved energy supply stability.