-
Trump-backed populist wins razor-tight Colombia vote, sparking protests
-
J-Bay: S.Africa's surf mecca missing out on the global tour
-
'Progress', say mediators, after Iran-US talks towards ending war
-
Key points from the first round of Iran-US talks
-
European countries close schools, cancel trains as heatwave set to intensify
-
Crude prices drop, most stocks rise on 'positive' US-Iran talks
-
Slimy beans: Japanese natto disgusts and delights the world
-
Clark wins despite hecklers but hopes not to be 'heel of the PGA'
-
Cape Verde targeting World Cup knockout rounds after Uruguay draw: coach
-
Father's Day near-miss at US Open brings Burns to tears
-
New coach Rennie names Savea as All Blacks captain
-
Scheffler praises Clark's resolve in gutsy US Open triumph
-
Yamal kickstarts Spain World Cup bid as Cape Verde stun Uruguay
-
Cape Verde fight back for second World Cup draw against Uruguay
-
Mexican fans rally behind Iran as 'our second team' at World Cup
-
Trump-backed candidate wins razor-tight Colombia presidential election
-
Clark edges Burns by one stroke for second US Open title
-
Iran coach hails 'great achievement' after second World Cup draw
-
Curacao firmly on the map after World Cup heroics
-
Pro-Trump presidential hopeful takes early lead as Colombia counts votes
-
Trump say repairs to begin 'immediately' for Washington pool renovation
-
Yamal off the mark at World Cup in Spain rout as Iran hold Belgium
-
Rune 'not ready' to put a date on tennis return
-
Argentina weaknesses? Austria's World Cup coach can't find any
-
Polls close in Colombia runoff pitting pro-Trump hardliner against leftist
-
A nation divided over Team Melli as Iran faces Belgium
-
McIlroy races for exit after weekend US Open fade
-
Belgium held 0-0 by Iran as Ngoy sent off
-
Mbappe ready for 'special' 100th cap for France at World Cup
-
Watkins ready for England super-sub role at World Cup
-
Yamashita tops Woad in playoff to win Meijer LPGA Classic
-
Clark leads Burns by one as US Open back-nine drama begins
-
Syria president denies wanting to intervene in Lebanon after Trump remarks
-
Timeless Messi eyes World Cup record as Argentina face Austria
-
Saudi critics must be 'realists', says Donis after Spain lesson
-
Brazil must adapt to loss of injured Raphinha at World Cup, says Paqueta
-
Serena Williams given Wimbledon singles wildcard
-
'Absurd' to doubt Spain, says De la Fuente after Saudi Arabia rout
-
Iranians walk out of talks venue after Trump threat
-
Iraq's Arnold promises to have a go against France at World Cup
-
'Toy Story 5' rakes in $160 mn in year's best opening weekend
-
Legendary Cuban spy chief Ramiro Valdes dies at 94
-
Yamal off the mark at World Cup as Spain thrash Saudi Arabia
-
Clark and Scheffler begin final-round drama at US Open
-
Yamal off mark at World Cup as Spain thrash Saudi
-
Yamal scores on injury return as Spain thrash Saudi Arabia
-
Noskova overpowers Pegula to win Berlin WTA
-
Iran warns US to 'be careful' after Trump threat
-
Gakpo savours 'freedom' to fire Dutch in World Cup title bid
-
Cerundolo outlasts Paul to win marathon Queen's Club final
Key points from the first round of Iran-US talks
Iran and the United States wrapped up the first round of talks to end the Middle East war at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland on Monday, with technical talks to continue.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed the "major progress" achieved with the help of mediators Pakistan and Qatar, while the United States government has yet to issue a statement.
Here are the main points from the joint Qatar-Pakistan statement at the conclusion of first-round talks:
- Roadmap to final deal agreed -
The High Level Committee set up by Tehran and Washington to oversee the talks has "agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks", according to the statement.
"Technical talks will continue for the remainder of the week at the Burgenstock resort on all issues."
- Lebanon 'de-confliction cell' -
The United States and Iran "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", the joint statement read.
Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.
Fighting in Lebanon in recent days has threatened to derail the peace deal.
Iran's Araghchi wrote in an X post on Monday that the Lebanon de-confliction cell will be the "1st real test".
- Hormuz 'communication line' -
Tehran and Washington have set up a "communication line" to "avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz", according to the statement.
The communication line is applicable for the 60-day period outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed earlier by both sides, in which Iran vowed "best efforts" to ensure safe passage of commercial ships.
Iran said Saturday it was closing the Strait of Hormuz again over Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
- Some assets unfrozen -
Araghchi wrote on Monday on X "oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran".
The Pakistan-Qatar joint statement does not mention any unfreezing of Iranian assets.
In the memorandum of understanding, the United States undertakes to "terminate all types of sanctions against" Iran, and to "make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets" of Iran.
The White House did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment on Araghchi's statement.
- Pakistan, Qatar in key roles -
Pakistan and Qatar have gained international prominence as mediators in the Iran-US deal, with the two nations issuing a joint statement to mark the conclusion of the first round of talks.
"The mediating parties will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations continue to be conducted in a constructive atmosphere with the aim of reaching a final deal," the statement said.
Araghchi in his X post gave credit to "tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation".
Ferreira--PC