US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are travelling to Switzerland for talks, Axios reported on Friday, as a ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to revive efforts to transform an interim Iran war pact into a lasting regional agreement.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday after renewed fighting in Lebanon raised concerns over ongoing US-Iran negotiations, which are considered crucial for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilising global oil supplies, reports Reuters.
The ceasefire followed a 14-point memorandum signed earlier this week by both sides to halt hostilities and create a 60-day window to resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and other contentious issues necessary for a more durable agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance cancelled plans on Thursday to travel to Switzerland for the talks amid escalating tensions in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group.
Following the ceasefire, Witkoff is travelling to Switzerland to join Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is already there, Axios reported. Araqchi is expected to arrive on Saturday.
The development may indicate that both sides intend to begin technical negotiations aimed at securing a permanent truce.
The White House did not respond to questions regarding Witkoff’s travel plans.
A senior US official said the ceasefire came into effect at around 4pm (1300 GMT) in Lebanon after an exchange of fire.
The official added that negotiators from the United States and Qatar had finalised the agreement with assistance from Iran.
Two Hezbollah sources and a senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters.
“If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war,” the Israeli official said, adding that Israel would maintain its forces in southern Lebanon, where it occupies an area along its northern border.
Two Lebanese security sources said Israel carried out around a dozen air strikes during the first hour of the ceasefire, although no strikes were recorded after 5pm.
Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli attacks after midnight on Friday killed 47 people and injured 97 others.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said four soldiers had been killed in an incident in Lebanon but provided no further details.
The conflict in Lebanon could affect the negotiations, as ending the fighting there remains a condition for the broader US-Iran accord.
