According to Axios reports on Friday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are preparing to travel to Switzerland for discussions, as Lebanon’s recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has rekindled prospects for transforming an interim Iran-focused agreement into a sustainable regional arrangement. Israel and Hezbollah formally accepted the ceasefire on Friday following heightened clashes that had threatened ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations critical to reinstating oil transit via the Strait of Hormuz and regional stability.
The two parties signed a 14-point memorandum earlier this week to cease hostilities and establish a 60-day period to resolve lingering disputes, including Iran’s nuclear program and other complex issues essential for a durable accord.
However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance canceled Thursday plans to join the talks amid intensifying Lebanon tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with Araqchi scheduled to travel to Switzerland on Saturday, sources claimed.
Witkoff will join Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who has already arrived, per Axios. The ceasefire’s implementation may indicate both sides’ intent to proceed with technical negotiations for a permanent truce.
White House officials did not comment on Witkoff’s travel plans. A senior U.S. representative stated the ceasefire took effect at approximately 1 p.m. local time in Lebanon after a brief exchange of fire, adding that U.S. and Qatari negotiators, with Iran’s collaboration, finalized the Lebanon deal.
Separate confirmations from two Lebanese security sources and an Israeli official corroborated the ceasefire to Reuters. The Israeli official remarked, “If Hezbollah does not initiate attacks, this is not a wartime period for us,” while clarifying Israel would maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon, adjacent to its northern frontier.
Lebanese health authorities reported 47 fatalities and 97 injuries from Israeli air strikes overnight Friday, while Israeli military sources acknowledged four soldier deaths in Lebanon without further specifics.
The Lebanese conflict’s resolution is a prerequisite for the broader U.S.-Iran pact, potentially impacting discussions.
Following the memorandum’s signing on Wednesday, Swiss Buergenstock resort preparations for technical talks were nearly finalized when the White House announced Vance’s absence on Thursday. The Swiss foreign ministry stated talks were delayed but Switzerland remained prepared to coordinate them, with preparatory work ongoing.
The interim agreement mandates immediate and permanent cessation of military actions across all fronts, including Lebanon. Israel, excluded from the talks, insists it is not bound by the agreement.
Araqchi, in a Friday phone call with his Pakistani counterpart, communicated to his ministry that the U.S. would bear responsibility for any breaches of the deal’s terms, particularly regarding Lebanon’s conflict cessation.
Lebanon’s involvement in the regional crisis began on March 2 when Hezbollah attacked Israel, prompting Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun decried recent strikes but affirmed they would not derail comprehensive ceasefire talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated to Aoun the U.S. stance on Hezbollah’s disarmament and support for a fully sovereign Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency emphasized that a broad ceasefire forms the foundation for upcoming Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Washington, scheduled for June 23–25.
Trump.Window Francis Hamilton, the body managing the Strait of Hormuz—blockaded by Iran during the war—announced it would suspend planned fees during the interim negotiations. The memorandum anticipates sanctions relief for Iran, asset unfreezing worth tens of billions, and immediate U.S. export waivers for Iranian oil. It also establishes a $300-billion Iranian reconstruction fund and other financial incentives. Critics in Washington, including some Republican allies questioning Trump’s perceived concessions ahead of November’s midterms, have opposed the deal. Trump countered on social media, “The War has diminished Iran! We didn’t meet out of desperation—Iran did. They are FINISHED! We’ll execute the 60 days. No financial support!”
