Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, and Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, have traveled to Switzerland for new talks on an agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Axios reported on Friday night, June 19, that these trips come after the establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a development that could pave the way for progress in Iran–US negotiations.
According to the report, the two sides have recently signed a 14-point memorandum aimed at halting hostilities and initiating 60 days to resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and other contentious issues.
The report adds that US Vice President JD Vance canceled his planned trip to Switzerland due to escalating tensions in Lebanon.
Witkoff has traveled to join Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is already in Switzerland, while Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive on Saturday.
The report further states that the upcoming talks could mark the start of technical negotiations aimed at reaching a more durable agreement and a permanent ceasefire in the region.
It also notes that despite the recent agreement between Tehran and Washington, significant disagreements remain unresolved, including the implementation of commitments related to Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear program.