US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are expected to travel to Switzerland for discussions, according to Axios, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah that has renewed efforts to convert an interim Iran war agreement into a broader regional settlement.
The ceasefire in Lebanon came after weeks of intensified fighting raised concerns over the future of US-Iran negotiations, which are aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilising global energy supplies, Reuters reported.
The latest developments follow a 14-point memorandum signed by the US and Iran earlier this week. The agreement seeks to halt military confrontations and establish a 60-day period for resolving disputes related to Iran’s nuclear programme and other major issues required for a long-term deal.
US Vice President JD Vance had earlier planned to travel to Switzerland for the talks but cancelled the visit amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.
With the Lebanon ceasefire now in place, Witkoff is reportedly travelling to Switzerland, where US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is already present. Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi is expected to join the discussions later. The move could indicate that both sides are preparing to begin technical negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire.
The White House has not commented on Witkoff’s travel plans.
A senior US official said the Lebanon ceasefire came into effect around 4 pm local time after a final exchange of fire. The official said US and Qatari negotiators helped facilitate the agreement, with Iran also playing a role. Hezbollah sources and an Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire.
An Israeli official said Israel would not consider the situation a war if Hezbollah stopped attacking, but added that Israeli forces would remain deployed in southern Lebanon, where they have maintained a presence near the northern border.
Lebanese security officials said Israel carried out several airstrikes shortly after the ceasefire began, though no further strikes were reported after 5 pm. Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli attacks before the truce killed 47 people and injured 97, while Israel reported the deaths of four soldiers in Lebanon.
The Lebanon conflict has been viewed as a major factor affecting wider US-Iran negotiations, as ending regional fighting remains a key condition for a comprehensive agreement.
Preparations for technical talks at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock resort had progressed after the memorandum was signed, but the Swiss foreign ministry said the discussions were postponed following Vance’s cancellation. Switzerland said it remained ready to assist and that preparations were continuing.
The interim agreement reportedly requires the US, Iran and their allies to declare an immediate and permanent halt to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. Israel, which was not involved in the negotiations, has said it is not a party to the agreement.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticised the Israeli strikes but said the escalation would not prevent efforts toward a wider ceasefire. The US State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Aoun, stressing the need for Hezbollah’s disarmament while reaffirming support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has reportedly killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, while contributing to rising global energy prices.
The memorandum includes possible economic relief measures for Iran, including sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets, waivers for oil exports and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund along with other financial incentives.
US President Donald Trump has continued to defend the agreement despite criticism from some lawmakers, including Republican members of Congress who argue that too many concessions were made to end the conflict ahead of the November midterm elections.