Mediators see 'encouraging progress' in first round of U.S.-Iran talks

Mediators described "encouraging progress" after the first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations over the weekend, aimed at achieving a permanent end to the war. Pakistani and Qatari negotiators announced Monday that the talks, held in Switzerland, resulted in agreements to establish a communication line and a "de-confliction cell."

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encouraging progress

This new line of communication is intended to prevent "incidents and miscommunication" in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway, thereby ensuring safe transit for commercial vessels. The establishment of a "de-confliction cell" in conjunction with Lebanon's government also seeks to ensure adherence to a memorandum of understanding signed last week, which calls for a halt to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.

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to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz

Continued conflict between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon had previously threatened the broader U.S.-Iran peace deal. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the progress in ending the Lebanon war but stated that the de-confliction cell would serve as the initial test of the agreement between Tehran and Washington. The first round of talks reportedly lasted 18 hours, beginning Sunday morning and concluding early Monday.

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to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon