Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 22

Talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending regional hostilities have made encouraging progress, with both sides agreeing to pursue a roadmap towards a broader agreement, mediators Qatar and Pakistan said on Monday.

The negotiations, held in Switzerland, followed a preliminary understanding reached last week between Washington and Tehran.

In a joint statement, the mediators said discussions had established a framework for further negotiations and created mechanisms aimed at reducing tensions and preventing misunderstandings.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the outcome as significant progress and said efforts were focused on easing regional tensions, including in Lebanon.

The talks come amid continued fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah despite recent ceasefire efforts.

According to the mediators, a communication channel and de-confliction mechanism will be established to support implementation of any future agreements.

US officials have said Washington is prepared to explore a new relationship with Tehran if key security concerns are addressed, while Iran maintains its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes.

Negotiators are expected to continue technical discussions in the coming weeks.