Washington DC: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland as preparations intensify for a new round of US-Iran negotiations following the recently announced memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia, Axios reported citing US and diplomatic sources.
According to Axios, Witkoff is travelling to Switzerland, where the first round of talks focused on a potential nuclear agreement with Iran is expected to take place. A US official said Senior Adviser and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is already in Switzerland ahead of the negotiations.
The talks were initially scheduled for Friday but were postponed due to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, a ceasefire was reached after fresh strikes earlier in the day as diplomatic efforts sought to ease regional tensions.
CNN reported that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to reinstate a ceasefire effective from 9 am local time. Sources said the agreement was brokered through mediation by the United States and Qatar, while Iran also played a role in facilitating the deal.
It remains unclear whether a new date has been formally set for the negotiations. Axios reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also expected to travel to Switzerland on Saturday, although his plans could change depending on developments in the region.
Sources familiar with the matter said Iran considers the ceasefire in Lebanon a key factor in deciding whether to proceed with the talks. One mediator said Araghchi told foreign counterparts that the ceasefire could be “make or break” for future US-Iran negotiations.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also arrived in Switzerland on Friday. Qatar remains one of the main mediators facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran.
On Thursday, Switzerland confirmed that the planned talks had been postponed but said it remains ready to facilitate negotiations. Preparatory work at the Burgenstock venue is continuing.
The 14-point US-Iran MoU includes a permanent halt to military operations, including in Lebanon, and a commitment to conclude negotiations on a final agreement within 60 days. It also outlines steps toward easing sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, facilitating oil exports, and launching economic development programmes for Iran.
Qatar has reiterated its support for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. During talks with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues through negotiations and peaceful means.
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