Kathmandu. Iran and the United States held the first round of talks aimed at ending the Middle East conflict in the Swiss resort of Bergenstock on Monday.

The two sides agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within the next 60 days and decided to continue the technical-level talks.

According to a joint statement issued after the talks brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, a high-level committee formed by Tehran and Washington prepared an action plan for the final agreement. Further discussions on the remaining technical issues will take place in Bergenstock this week.

The two sides also agreed to establish a conflict management mechanism comprising the US, Iran, the Lebanese government and mediators to ensure the end of military activities in Lebanon. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described it as the first real test of the peace process.

Both sides also established a special communication line to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships via State of Hormuz and to avoid possible confusion and incidents. This arrangement will remain in effect throughout the 60 days mentioned in the preliminary MOU.

Iran’s foreign minister, Araghchi said on social media X that the ban on oil and petrochemical exports had been lifted, some frozen assets had been lifted, and reconstruction and development programs had begun. However, the Pakistan-Qatar joint statement made no mention of the release of Iranian assets.

“The United States will end all sanctions against Iran and commit to freeze or release its funds and assets for use,” the letter said. There was no immediate comment from the White House on Araghchi’s claims.

With the success of the talks, Pakistan and Qatar have played an important international role as mediators. In the joint statement, the two countries expressed their commitment to continue to cooperate to advance the negotiations in a constructive atmosphere until the final agreement.