US-Iran agree 'roadmap' towards peace deal - mediators

The United States and Iran have agreed a "roadmap" towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, according to a joint statement issued by mediators Pakistan and Qatar.

The first round of talks between both nations at Burgenstock, Switzerland have led to an agreement to set up a "communication line" to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Qatari and Pakistani mediators.

The Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort has been holding talks between Iran and the US with the goal of permanently ending the war in the Middle East.

The parties also agreed to a mechanism to end the fighting in Lebanon and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passages for commercial ships through the contested strait, the statement said.

Both nations have agreed to set up what is being called a "de-confliction cell", according to Qatari and Pakistani mediators.

Lebanon is also to cease military operations, the statement has said.

The talks are to continue for the rest of the week.

'Major progress'

Posting on X, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there was "major progress" in the talks.

"Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran."

US Vice President JD Vance began talks with Iranian officials on Sunday under the terms of a memorandum of understanding reached last week to extend a tenuous ceasefire from April for at least another 60 days.

The discussions continued until the early hours of today.