Iran Reports Progress in US Talks on Lebanon Conflict

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Geneva: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with the United States aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon had made significant progress, praising mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar during negotiations in Switzerland.

Araghchi said the sides had agreed to establish a Lebanon ‘de-confliction cell’, describing it as the first major test of the diplomatic process. He also pointed to discussions on easing restrictions on Iran, including waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozen assets and plans for reconstruction and development projects.

The comments came as international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon continued despite repeated outbreaks of violence. Although a previous US-Iran memorandum outlined a ceasefire framework, Israel has maintained that its forces will remain in a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

The negotiations briefly faced uncertainty after a disruption linked to comments by US President Donald Trump. Iranian delegates temporarily walked out of the talks before diplomatic efforts resumed.

Video from the talks showed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting Araghchi shortly before the Iranian delegation left the room. Pakistani officials later held discussions with key participants, including US Vice President JD Vance, as mediators worked to keep the negotiations on track.

The latest round of diplomacy reflects ongoing efforts by regional and international actors to prevent a wider conflict and move toward a more durable settlement in Lebanon.

Pic Credit: AFP