U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Switzerland for the first round of talks with Iran regarding a potential nuclear deal, expected to take place on Sunday, according to U.S. officials. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Switzerland on Saturday to participate in the discussions.
The talks were initially scheduled for Friday but were postponed due to ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The situation remains fluid, with no confirmed new time for the talks. The Iranian delegation departed Tehran shortly after Iranian armed forces announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to alleged ceasefire violations by the U.S. and Israel.
U.S. officials had hoped that a renewed ceasefire in Lebanon, announced on Friday, would facilitate the talks. However, fighting resumed on Saturday morning, with Hezbollah launching approximately 50 projectiles at Israeli soldiers, which Israel labeled a ceasefire violation. In retaliation, Israel conducted multiple strikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least 16 fatalities. Hezbollah stated its commitment to the ceasefire but indicated it would respond to any Israeli attempts to seize land.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, emphasized that the Iranian delegation's visit aims to ensure the implementation of commitments outlined in a memorandum of understanding. He stated that Iran has adhered to its obligations and expects the U.S. to compel Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon, warning that failure to implement these commitments could jeopardize the entire agreement.
Araghchi reportedly conveyed to mediators that the ceasefire in Lebanon is crucial for the U.S.-Iran negotiations. Pakistan's interior minister visited Tehran to discuss the crisis, while Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani arrived in Switzerland as a key mediator. Vice President Vance, who was expected to lead the U.S. delegation, postponed his trip but indicated in a Fox News interview that negotiations with Iran are progressing and could commence on Sunday.