Araghchi Reveals Progress in US Talks: Lebanon War Ends, Iranian Assets Released

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday (22/6/2026) that negotiations with the United States in Switzerland have shown significant progress in efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon and reduce pressure on Iran’s economy. “Relentless mediation by Pakistan and Qatar has resulted in major progress to end the Lebanon War. Restrictions on oil and petrochemical exports are lifted, the blockade is ended, some frozen assets are released, and a major reconstruction and development programme is launched for Iran,” Araghchi said on the X platform. The statement was made after Qatar and Pakistan announced important progress in diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran following the conclusion of the first round of high-level talks in Lake Lucerne, Burgenstock, Switzerland. In a joint statement, the two mediating countries said the parties agreed to establish a joint coordination mechanism involving the Republic of Lebanon to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in Lebanon in accordance with the memorandum of understanding reached by the US and Iran. “The first real test: the Lebanon coordination mechanism,” Araghchi said. In a separate statement, he described the diplomatic developments as part of a broader national struggle. “From the football pitch [World Cup], the negotiating table, to the battlefield, every step we take as an Iranian nation is part of a larger struggle to defend the honour and dignity of our people,” he said.