LUCERNE, Switzerland: Iran and the United States have agreed to establish a de-confliction cell with Lebanon to help ensure the cessation of military operations, mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced on Monday following the first round of negotiations in Switzerland.
“The parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon,” Pakistan and Qatar said in a joint statement.
The mechanism is among the most significant outcomes of the Lake Lucerne Summit, where Iranian and US negotiators met under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict.
Observers say the de-confliction cell is intended to serve as a direct coordination and monitoring mechanism to prevent violations, reduce the risk of renewed hostilities and support the implementation of commitments reached during the peace process.
Joint Statement by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Regarding the Conclusion of Lake Lucerne Summit, First High-Level Committee Meeting with Participation of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. https://t.co/xsLbGvwpX5
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 22, 2026
The announcement comes amid efforts to put a halt to fighting in Lebanon, which has emerged as one of the most sensitive issues in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The first round of talks concluded at the Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne after what mediators described as a “positive and constructive atmosphere” that produced “encouraging progress”.
Among the key outcomes was the adoption of a 60-day roadmap towards a final agreement, the establishment of a High-Level Committee to oversee the mediation process, and the formation of specialised working groups on nuclear issues, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms and dispute resolution.
Pakistan and Qatar also announced the creation of a direct communication line between the United States and Iran to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Technical talks are expected to continue throughout the week at the Burgenstock resort as negotiators seek to translate political understandings into detailed agreements.
The US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance and included Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed Iran’s negotiating team.
The de-confliction cell is expected to play a central role in maintaining stability in Lebanon during the 60-day negotiation period and could become a key confidence-building measure in the broader effort to secure a lasting settlement between Washington and Tehran.
