U.S. and Iranian negotiators agreed Sunday to set up a new deconfliction channel focused on Lebanon, following days of mixed public messaging, uncertainty over cease-fire terms and growing concern that a miscalculation could trigger renewed fighting in the region.
In a joint statement issued by mediators Qatar and Pakistan, Tehran and Washington said they would establish a “de-confliction cell” bringing together the United States, Iran and Lebanon to “ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon” as laid out in the memorandum of understanding.
The arrangement was reached during the first senior-level negotiations held under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The talks wrapped up at the luxury Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Although officials pointed to wider momentum toward a final deal, the proposed deconfliction mechanism stood out as the summit’s clearest and most immediate practical outcome.
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The step follows several days of confusion over the cease-fire, including shifting signals from Iran about the Strait of Hormuz and differing accounts from officials on both sides about which military actions would be considered violations, as well as how such violations would be assessed.
“A communication line between the parties has been formed for the [60 days] to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.
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