China urges US, Iran to keep 'positive' momentum after Swiss talks
Beijing's Foreign Ministry on Monday urged Washington and Tehran to sustain diplomatic momentum following the conclusion of high-level talks in Switzerland, voicing support for Pakistan and Qatar as mediators and calling for continued cooperation to implement the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Monday urged the United States and Iran to "work in the same direction for positive results" after the two adversaries concluded high-level negotiations in Switzerland over the weekend. Speaking to reporters in the Chinese capital, Guo said Beijing hopes Washington and Tehran "will keep the good momentum in negotiation," endorsing the mediation role played by Pakistan and Qatar.
Lake Lucerne Summit yields 'encouraging progress'
The first round of talks between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf took place at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, where delegations discussed implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 17. Pakistan and Qatar announced in a joint statement early Monday that the summit "was conducted in a positive and constructive atmosphere" and noted that "encouraging progress has been made, including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks."
Guo stated that "China supports Pakistan and Qatar and all relevant parties in their mediation efforts," adding that Beijing views the development as a critical step toward regional stability. The direct negotiations marked a significant development in efforts to de-escalate the conflict that has blocked maritime traffic and drawn in regional allies since hostilities began in February.
Tehran reports sanctions relief, reconstruction plans
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed the Pakistani and Qatari mediation, declaring that negotiations had produced "major progress to end Lebanon War" alongside economic concessions for the Islamic Republic. "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 X. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding established the framework for the current dialogue, with technical committees expected to convene in the coming weeks to finalize details of the sanctions relief and regional security arrangements.
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