US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has travelled to Switzerland as preparations accelerate for the next round of US-Iran negotiations following a recently announced memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia, Axios reported, citing US and diplomatic officials. According to the report, Witkoff is heading to Switzerland, where the first phase of discussions focused on a possible nuclear agreement with Iran is expected to be held. A US official also confirmed that Jared Kushner, senior adviser and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, has already arrived in the country ahead of the talks.

The negotiations were originally planned for Friday but were delayed due to renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The postponement came amid efforts to reduce regional tensions, with a ceasefire later being restored between the two sides following fresh strikes. CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to revive a ceasefire that came into effect at 9 am local time. The agreement was reportedly facilitated through mediation by the United States and Qatar, with Iran also playing a role in supporting the arrangement, according to a diplomatic source. A new date for the US-Iran talks has not yet been officially announced. However, Axios reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Switzerland on Saturday to join the discussions, though his plans could change depending on developments in the region.

Regional mediators have indicated that the situation in Lebanon remains a major factor influencing Tehran’s decision on whether to proceed with the talks. Iranian officials have reportedly stressed the need for the ceasefire to become stable before fully committing to negotiations. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has also arrived in Switzerland, with Doha playing a key mediating role between Washington and Tehran.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the planned talks involving the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan had been postponed but said Switzerland remains prepared to facilitate the discussions. Preparatory work at the Burgenstock venue is continuing. The 14-point MoU between Washington and Tehran reportedly includes an immediate halt to military operations, including in Lebanon, and sets a goal of reaching a final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension through mutual agreement.

The agreement outlines steps including the easing of US naval restrictions, Iran ensuring safe commercial shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, and technical discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme. It also includes potential sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, US waivers for Iranian oil exports, and a US-supported economic recovery programme for Iran. Qatar has reiterated its support for negotiations between the US and Iran. During talks between Sheikh Mohammed and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at the Burgenstock Resort, Doha expressed support for resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomatic efforts.