Mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced Monday that Iran and the United States have agreed to establish communications lines to end fighting in Lebanon, following their first round of talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the broader Middle East war. The talks took place in 'a positive and constructive atmosphere,' the mediators said.
Mechanism for Technical Talks and Contact Channel
'Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,' the mediators stated. They detailed a contact channel set up to 'avoid incidents and miscommunication' at the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, a 'de-confliction cell' between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has been established to prevent fighting from erupting again.
Background of the Conflict
Lebanon had been drawn into the conflict as Iran-allied Hezbollah attacked Israel over the war on Iran, prompting Israeli bombardment of the neighboring country. After a series of false starts, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding toward ending the conflict that included a provision to end fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X after the talks: 'Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell.'
Shaky Start and Threats
The development came after a shaky start to the negotiations, with the Islamic Republic's delegation walking out in response to US President Donald Trump's threats to strike Iran over its support for Hezbollah on Sunday.
Lebanese President's Calls on Ceasefire
President General Joseph Aoun received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance, Senior Advisor to the US President Jared Kushner, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani. The discussion focused on consolidating the ceasefire in Lebanon, halting the Israeli military escalation, and steps including the possibility of forming a cell for this purpose.
In a meeting with a delegation from the League of Greek Catholics, Aoun reiterated Lebanon's welcome of any assistance to end the war, saying the right to differ is 'sacred' but disagreement between the Lebanese is not permitted in the current circumstances. Aoun also stressed the sovereignty of Lebanon, stating no one is to negotiate on its behalf.
Israel's Position
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sar said Israel will respect the ceasefire in Lebanon as long as it is not breached by Hezbollah, in a call with his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters. Sar said the country does not have territorial ambitions in Lebanon, 'but it will not withdraw from the security zone and expose our citizens to Hezbollah’s attacks and possible invasion. Lebanon’s sovereignty has been breached for decades to this very day by Iran’s indirect occupation by Hezbollah,' adding it is in the interest of both Lebanon and Israel that Hezbollah's terror state be dismantled.
