Fresh diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran appeared to gain momentum on Friday after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon eased concerns that regional violence could derail negotiations aimed at securing a broader and more durable agreement.
According to a report by Axios, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are expected to travel to Switzerland for talks focused on advancing discussions that began earlier this week. The report said Witkoff would join Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is already in Switzerland, while Araqchi is expected to arrive on Saturday.
The planned meetings follow the signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran that established a 60-day framework for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and other long-standing disputes. The agreement was designed to halt hostilities and create conditions for a broader regional settlement.
Diplomatic preparations had encountered uncertainty after US Vice President JD Vance canceled plans to travel to Switzerland amid escalating violence in Lebanon. However, the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has renewed hopes that technical negotiations can move forward.
A senior US official said the ceasefire took effect around 4 p.m. local time on Friday following an exchange of fire. The official said negotiators from the United States and Qatar helped broker the arrangement with support from Iran. Sources from Hezbollah and an Israeli official also confirmed that the truce had begun.
Israeli authorities indicated that military operations would cease as long as Hezbollah refrains from launching attacks. An Israeli official said forces would remain positioned in southern Lebanon near the northern border.
The conflict in Lebanon has become a key factor in wider regional diplomacy. The interim US-Iran agreement calls for an end to military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, making stability there an important condition for future progress.
Despite the ceasefire, violence continued earlier on Friday. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes overnight killed 47 people and injured 97 others. The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in Lebanon but provided no additional details.
The Swiss government confirmed that formal talks scheduled at the Buergenstock resort had been postponed but said preparations remain underway and Switzerland stands ready to facilitate future discussions.
Iranian officials have stressed that all parties must uphold their commitments under the interim agreement. During a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s foreign minister, Araqchi said the United States would bear responsibility for ensuring compliance with provisions related to ending hostilities, including those affecting Lebanon.
With oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz increasing and energy markets showing signs of stabilization, diplomats are now looking to the upcoming talks as a potential step toward a broader regional settlement and a lasting reduction in tensions.
