US and Iran Pursue 60-Day Peace Deal in Switzerland

The United States and Iran have entered a 60-day diplomatic process to secure a permanent peace deal following a conflict that began in February 2025. The process centers on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed on June 17, which aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. blockade on Iranian oil exports. In exchange, Iran has agreed to a roadmap involving the dilution of its enriched uranium stockpile.

Donald Trump and Iranian officials have utilized mediators from Pakistan and Qatar to facilitate high-level and technical talks in Switzerland. While a roadmap was agreed upon during sessions in Bürgenstock on June 22, significant friction remains. Iran has conditioned further progress on the U.S. ensuring that Israel withdraws from Lebanon and adheres to a ceasefire. Simultaneously, the U.S. claims an agreement exists for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to visit Iranian sites, a claim Iranian officials deny, insisting that sanctions must be lifted first.

Parallel efforts are underway to establish a de-confliction cell to manage fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite these diplomatic strides, the situation remains precarious, as strikes on Beirut have previously threatened to derail the process. Technical discussions on sanctions and nuclear energy are expected to resume in Switzerland the week of June 29.