Iran's Araghchi hails progress in diplomacy, highlights Lebanon ceasefire mechanism

DUBAI — Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said early Monday that the US-Iran talks in Switzerland have delivered major progress toward ending the war in Lebanon and easing pressure on Iran’s economy.Araghchi’s statement comes after high-level negotiations facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar seeking a permanent end to the Iran-US war ended with lower-level talks planned for the rest of the week.A joint statement by the two mediating countries said significant progress has been made in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran following the conclusion of the first round of high-level talks at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock.According to the statement, the two parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon according to the memorandum of understanding.”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,” Araghchi said on the US social media platform X.“1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” he said.In a separate statement, the Iranian foreign minister framed the diplomatic developments as part of a broader national effort.”From the football pitch to the negotiating table to the battlefield, every step we take as Iranians is part of a larger struggle: defending the honor and dignity of our dear people,” he said.The mediating countries said the cell would include the Lebanese government and would “ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon.”But it remains unclear whether that will be enough to stop fighting between the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah and Israel, which occupies Lebanon and insists it must maintain a free hand to attack militants who are launching attacks into northern Israel.