United States Ambassador Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi were both on their way Switzerland for talks, Axios said on Friday, as the cease-fire in Lebanon appeared to revive efforts to turn the interim Iran war deal into a permanent regional agreement.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire Lebanon On Friday after the fighting raised doubts about the negotiations between the United States and Iran, which are necessary to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize the supply of oil.
That followed a 14-point deal the two sides signed this week to end fighting and open a 60-day window to resolve disputes over Iranof the nuclear program, as well as other thorny issues needed to create a more permanent agreement.
Vice President of the United States JD Vance canceled plans on Thursday to travel to Switzerland for talks, however, amid rising tensions in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.
With the ceasefire in place, Witkoff was on his way to Switzerland to join Jared Kushner, the President. Donald Trumpson-in-law, who was already there, Axios said. Araqchi planned to travel there on Saturday, it added.
The development may indicate that both sides intend to start technical negotiations aimed at finding a permanent agreement.
