Iran, U.S. Signal Progress on Strait of Hormuz Maritime Safety Mechanism
Iran says it has reached a series of understandings with the United States during talks held in Switzerland, including plans to set up an emergency coordination system designed to safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor.
The announcement was made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai, according to reports carried by the Tasnim news agency.
He said discussions covered a wide range of issues, including Iran’s oil exports, the possible release of frozen Iranian assets, and technical frameworks for monitoring maritime traffic in the region.
Baghai added that Tehran withdrew from continuing a four-party session involving U.S. representatives after Iran objected to what it described as “threatening statements” from Washington.
Even so, mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are expected to keep facilitating communication between both sides.
Despite the interruption in direct talks, Iranian officials said technical-level working groups will continue their engagement.
Mediators are expected to compile a draft document within 18 hours outlining areas where tentative agreement was reached, particularly on shipping security arrangements and related economic matters.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media platform X that the discussions in Bürgenstock also touched on oil export conditions and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets abroad, issues Tehran has consistently linked to any broader diplomatic progress.
Mediator updates suggest that both sides also discussed a potential mechanism to manage escalation risks tied to ongoing tensions in Lebanon, where clashes involving Israel and Hezbollah continue to destabilize the region.
However, regional reports indicate the negotiations were marked by sharp disagreements. Iran is said to have pushed for additional political steps, including an apology from U.S. President Donald Trump and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, though these claims have not been independently confirmed.
The U.S. delegation included Vice President J.D. Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who met with senior Iranian officials led by Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
While both sides appear willing to continue engaging through mediators, the talks remain fragile, with limited technical progress overshadowed by deeper political disputes that remain unresolved.
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