Iran reconstruction plan launched, some frozen assets released: Tehran claims major progress on peace deal

Iran on Monday claimed that the United States has already begun implementing key parts of the recently signed agreement to stop the conflict, including the launch of a $300 billion reconstruction framework.

The claim came after the United States and Iran held their first high-level talks in Switzerland under the memorandum, with mediators saying the two sides had made “encouraging progress” and agreed on a committee structure to work towards a final agreement within 60 days.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X after the talks, described the outcome as “major progress” and said “tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation” had delivered steps to end the Lebanon war and move implementation of the agreement forward.

“Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell,” Araghchi said.

The talks at the Bürgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne were the first high-level session under the Memorandum of Understanding, a 14-point framework signed days earlier by Washington and Tehran after weeks of conflict.

A joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan said the Lake Lucerne summit was held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and had produced “encouraging progress”, including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks.

It said the parties agreed to establish a High Level Committee to provide political oversight to the negotiations, while chief negotiators would lead working groups on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and a monitoring and dispute-resolution mechanism.

The committee also approved a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days, while technical discussions are set to continue through the week in Switzerland.

The mediators said the parties had also opened a communication line to prevent incidents and miscommunication during the negotiation period, with the aim of ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

They further announced the creation of a de-confliction cell involving the United States, Iran and Lebanon to help uphold the halt in military operations in Lebanon under the memorandum.

Araghchi said that mechanism would be the “first real test” of the progress made so far.

The memorandum, signed last week, laid out a framework intended to expand an existing ceasefire between the US and Iran and establish conditions for a comprehensive agreement within 60 days. It covers negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and access to frozen Iranian assets.

The framework also envisages a reconstruction and development package worth at least $300 billion with support from the United States and regional partners, waivers for Iranian oil exports and financial transactions, and a phased lifting of maritime restrictions.