U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are expected to travel to Switzerland for a new round of talks, as the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah creates conditions for advancing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to reports, Witkoff will join Jared Kushner in Switzerland, while Araqchi is expected to arrive on Saturday. The meetings could mark the beginning of technical negotiations aimed at reaching a more comprehensive and long-term agreement between the parties.
The developments follow the signing of a 14-point memorandum earlier this week, which provides for a cessation of hostilities and a 60-day period to discuss key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and other sensitive regional matters.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Friday afternoon, easing tensions that had raised concerns about the continuation of U.S.-Iran dialogue. A senior U.S. official stated that the agreement was drafted by American and Qatari negotiators with Iran’s support.
Sources within Hezbollah and Israeli officials confirmed that the ceasefire has taken effect. However, Israel has indicated that it will maintain its troops in southern Lebanon along the border area.
According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli airstrikes carried out before the ceasefire came into force killed 47 people and wounded 97 others. On the other side, the Israeli military reported the deaths of four soldiers in an incident in Lebanon.
Analysts believe that stabilizing the situation in Lebanon is a key factor in the success of U.S.-Iran negotiations, which aim not only to address the nuclear issue but also to reduce regional tensions and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
