Shehbaz welcomes breakthrough in US-Iran talks, sees path to final deal

-- Pakistan-held peace initiative advances as US, Iran agree on 60-day roadmap

-- Bürgenstock talks yield 'encouraging progress’ towards lasting US-Iran Accord

-- PM hails diplomatic gains as Switzerland talks move peace process forward

-- Pakistan and Qatar secure momentum in landmark US-Iran negotiations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed the successful conclusion of the first High-Level Committee meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, describing the outcome as a significant diplomatic achievement that has generated momentum towards a final peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

The four-party talks, involving the United States and Iran with mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, marked the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the landmark Islamabad MoU and concluded with what participants described as “encouraging progress” on key political and security issues.

In a statement shared on social media, the prime minister said the discussions were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere and had produced important breakthroughs, including agreement on a roadmap aimed at securing a comprehensive settlement within 60 days.

Roadmap agreed for final settlement

According to PM Shehbaz, the meeting endorsed a structured framework for future negotiations and established a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the implementation process.

The participants also agreed to continue technical-level negotiations in the coming days to translate the broad political understandings into practical arrangements.

The premier praised the leadership of both the United States and Iran for demonstrating a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, noting that sustained engagement remained essential for achieving a durable peace agreement.

Tribute to Mediators and Negotiators

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to all countries that supported the peace initiative and paid special tribute to Qatar for its critical role in helping create conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations.

He also thanked Switzerland for facilitating and hosting the talks at Bürgenstock.

The prime minister reserved particular praise for Chief of Defence Staff and Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, acknowledging his role in advancing the diplomatic process.

“His dedication, commitment and perseverance are indeed commendable and instrumental to the progress achieved so far,” the premier said.

PM Shehbaz also commended Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs team for their diplomatic efforts, while recognising Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his contribution to the success of the negotiations.

Dar welcomes 'substantial progress'

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the outcome of the Bürgenstock talks as a major milestone in the implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

In a statement, Dar welcomed the “substantial progress” achieved during the negotiations and congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their leadership in advancing the peace initiative.

He also praised the constructive approach demonstrated by both Washington and Tehran and thanked Qatar for its close cooperation with Pakistan throughout the mediation process.

The foreign minister confirmed that Pakistani diplomats would remain actively engaged in the negotiations, with a Foreign Office team continuing technical-level discussions with the concerned parties throughout the week in Switzerland.

New mechanisms to preserve peace

A joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar announced that the parties had agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days.

Among the key outcomes was the establishment of direct communication channels aimed at preventing misunderstandings and reducing the risk of incidents, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The mechanism is expected to help ensure the uninterrupted flow of international commercial shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

The mediators also announced the creation of a Pakistan- and Qatar-facilitated “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanese authorities and relevant stakeholders to oversee commitments related to the cessation of military operations in Lebanon and prevent renewed hostilities.

Islamabad MoU gains momentum

The latest developments build on the diplomatic breakthrough achieved on June 18 when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as mediator, formalising an agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending months of regional conflict.

The accord established a framework for dialogue on security, maritime stability, economic cooperation and broader regional peace.

Diplomatic observers view the progress achieved in Switzerland as an important step toward transforming the initial agreement into a comprehensive and lasting settlement, while reinforcing Pakistan’s growing profile as a facilitator of regional diplomacy and conflict resolution.

Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to the process, both Prime Minister Shehbaz and Foreign Minister Dar pledged that Pakistan would continue to play a sincere and constructive role in advancing dialogue, promoting stability and supporting efforts aimed at securing lasting peace in the region and beyond.