Iran, US agree on roadmap to reach final peace deal in 60 days, say mediators

The United States and Iran have agreed to a roadmap to reach a final peace deal within 60 days, mediators Pakistan and Qatar said on Monday.

In a joint statement issued after the first round of talks held under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding framework in Switzerland, the mediators said that the meeting had been conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere”.

Washington and Tehran made “encouraging progress” in creating a mechanism for further technical talks, Pakistan and Qatar said. The negotiations will continue for the remainder of the week.

The US and Iran agreed to set up a high level committee that will provide political oversight on the mediation process, the statement added.

The chief negotiators will report to this committee and lead working groups focused on nuclear matters, sanctions and a monitoring and dispute resolution group to ensure implementation of the interim agreement reached on Thursday.

“The committee agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks,” the statement said.

A line of communication will also be set up between the parties “to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels” through the Strait of Hormuz.

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