Negotiators discussed mechanisms to preserve the Lebanon ceasefire, keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and lay the groundwork for future nuclear negotiations
The first round of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran in Switzerland focused on preserving the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued operation of the Strait of Hormuz, and advancing discussions on a potential nuclear agreement, according to a report by Axios citing a US diplomat familiar with the talks.
Held under the framework of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the discussions began on Sunday in Bürgenstock and continued throughout the day as officials from both sides examined a range of political and technical issues.
Lebanon ceasefire takes centre stage
One of the key areas of discussion was Lebanon, where negotiators explored ways to strengthen compliance with the existing ceasefire and reduce the risk of further escalation despite ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.
According to the report, officials discussed establishing deconfliction mechanisms designed to prevent misunderstandings and help maintain stability along the conflict lines. The issue was considered critical to broader efforts aimed at preventing the regional conflict from expanding further.
Strait of Hormuz security discussed
The strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supplies pass, was another major focus of the talks.
Recent comments from Iranian officials regarding the possibility of restricting access to the waterway had heightened international concerns over global energy security.
“We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,” the US diplomat told Axios.
Negotiators also reviewed implementation issues linked to the 14-point agreement reached last week, seeking to ensure that all parties shared a common understanding of the commitments made under the framework.
Nuclear discussions move forward
The talks also addressed the broad contours of a possible future nuclear agreement between Washington and Tehran.
According to Axios, officials examined several key components of a potential deal while also discussing how negotiations could continue at both political and technical levels in the coming weeks.
“The parties also discussed a plan for how to keep talks going both on the political level and between the technical teams,” the diplomat was quoted as saying.
The diplomat described the initial round as constructive and suggested that the process had helped establish a foundation for greater trust between the parties.
“All four parties seem pleased with how the talks went today. The mediators are helping both sides work through things. We feel this initial round of talks is setting us up for trust-building going forward,” the diplomat said.
Negotiations continue despite temporary pause
While senior political leaders are expected to conclude their meetings on Monday, technical teams are likely to remain in Switzerland to continue discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues.
Meanwhile, CNN reported, citing an Iranian source, that negotiations had reached a temporary pause but had not broken down.
The source said diplomatic engagement was continuing through back-channel contacts despite tensions generated by recent comments from US President Donald Trump.
According to the report, mediators remain actively involved in encouraging both sides to return to direct negotiations as efforts continue to secure progress on regional stability, maritime security and a broader diplomatic settlement.
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