A ceasefire in Lebanon has revived momentum for US-Iran negotiations, with senior officials heading to Switzerland while Tehran links future talks to implementation of a newly signed memorandum.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland as diplomatic efforts gather pace following the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and a new US-Iran memorandum of understanding. | X/@SEPeaceMissions
Fresh diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran are gathering pace after a ceasefire in Lebanon eased one of the major obstacles to planned negotiations under a newly signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Switzerland for talks that could open a new phase in US-Iran engagement, while Iranian officials say discussions on the next round of negotiations are being arranged through mediators. The developments come days after the two countries signed a 14-point agreement aimed at ending hostilities and creating a framework for broader negotiations.
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According to Axios, Witkoff is heading to Switzerland, where talks focused on a possible nuclear agreement are expected to take place. Senior adviser Jared Kushner is already in the country ahead of the anticipated discussions.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also expected to travel to Switzerland on Saturday. However, sources familiar with the matter told Axios that his plans could still change depending on regional developments.
The talks had originally been scheduled for Friday. They were delayed amid renewed tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
According to CNN, Israel and Hezbollah have now agreed to restore a ceasefire that took effect at around 4 pm Lebanon time (1300 GMT). The agreement was reportedly facilitated through mediation efforts involving the United States and Qatar, with another diplomatic source indicating that Iran also contributed to the process.
Regional mediators have indicated that the situation in Lebanon continues to influence Iran’s approach to the negotiations.
According to Axios, Araghchi informed foreign counterparts that the ceasefire could prove decisive for the future of the diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran.
Another source from a mediating country said Iranian officials want to see the ceasefire firmly established before fully committing to the Switzerland talks.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei later confirmed that the planned meeting in Switzerland on Friday had been postponed and said preparations were underway for a new round of discussions in the coming days.
Speaking to reporters, Baghaei said consultations were continuing through intermediaries and that a fresh date would be announced once conditions were finalised.
Baghaei said the start of formal negotiations depends on the implementation of commitments contained in the memorandum.
According to him, those conditions include an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of the US naval blockade, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free vessel passage for 60 days, waivers for Iranian oil exports and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
He said Friday’s planned meeting had originally been intended to formalise the memorandum and discuss the structure of future negotiations. After Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump electronically signed the document earlier this week, the meeting became less urgent.
Baghaei also rejected reports that Iran had invited the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear facilities.
He said negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme are expected within 60 days under the memorandum, provided agreed conditions are met.
According to Baghaei, Iran will maintain its current nuclear posture during that period, while inspections will remain limited to facilities such as the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Access to other sites would depend on the outcome of future negotiations.
Qatar has publicly backed efforts to launch negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland.
According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Doha’s support for dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
“Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed Doha’s support for launching negotiations between the US and Iran to reach sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means,” the ministry said.
The Qatari leader said diplomacy could contribute to regional security and open new opportunities for development and cooperation.
In a separate statement on X, Cassis said Switzerland and Qatar shared a commitment to mediation and diplomatic solutions. He thanked Doha for its efforts and reiterated Switzerland’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.
The 14-point memorandum calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations, including in Lebanon.
It also sets a target of concluding negotiations on a final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of extension if both sides agree.
The document outlines plans for the removal of US naval restrictions, free commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for an initial 60-day period, technical discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, phased sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, waivers for Iranian oil exports and a US-backed reconstruction and economic development programme for Iran.
On Thursday, Switzerland confirmed that the planned talks had been postponed but said preparations at Burgenstock were continuing and the country remained ready to facilitate future negotiations.
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