Intense diplomatic activity is under way in Switzerland, where White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling as discussions resume over the possibility of restarting negotiations between the United States and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks had been postponed due to the latest escalation in Lebanon, but the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has created a new diplomatic landscape.

According to Axios, citing a US official, White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland, where discussions are under consideration with Iran regarding a potential agreement on its nuclear program.

The same source said that Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and close adviser, is already in the country.

Also in Switzerland is Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is regarded as a key intermediary in contacts between Washington and Tehran.

Uncertainty Over JD Vance’s Trip

US Vice President JD Vance had initially been expected to lead the American delegation. However, he postponed his trip at the last minute on Thursday evening.

It remains unclear whether he will ultimately travel to Switzerland over the weekend, as the US administration continues to assess developments across the Middle East.

The talks had been scheduled to begin on Friday but were postponed following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. No new date has yet been announced.

Ceasefire Follows Latest Flare-Up in Lebanon

According to a US official, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday following what has been described as the most serious test to date of the US–Iran framework agreement aimed at ending conflicts across the Middle East.

From Thursday evening until Friday afternoon, at least 47 people were killed and nearly 100 injured in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, according to authorities in Beirut.

The Israeli military, meanwhile, reported four soldiers killed, including a senior officer.

The toll marks the deadliest period since Monday, when the US–Iran agreement was announced. The agreement envisages an end to hostilities “on all fronts, including Lebanon”.

Strong Statements from All Sides

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah would pay a “very heavy price”, reiterating that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon “for as long as necessary”.

Even stronger rhetoric came from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for “all of Lebanon to burn”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, accused Israel of seeking “permanent war”.

The Israeli military said it had struck more than 150 targets and killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters, while the Shiite movement accused Israel of committing “massacres against civilians” and claimed its forces were defending Lebanon’s population and territory.

The Ceasefire and Emerging Doubts

According to a US official, the ceasefire agreement was reached following negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, Israel and Iran.

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, stated that Israel would honour the ceasefire provided Hezbollah did the same.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, describing it as a necessary prerequisite for the resumption of direct talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv in Washington.

However, only hours after the agreement was announced, conflicting reports emerged regarding alleged new Israeli strikes. Lebanon’s ANI news agency reported a bombing raid, while Israel denied the claim.

Nuclear Negotiations Postponed

At the same time, Switzerland announced the indefinite postponement of negotiations that had been due to begin between US and Iranian envoys regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The talks were expected to mark the start of a 60-day process aimed at finalising an agreement on Iran’s controversial nuclear activities.

“There is no rush. We will organise a meeting in the coming days,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, whose country is playing a mediating role, is expected to meet his counterparts from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Cairo on Sunday.

Strait of Hormuz and Oil Markets in Focus

The developments are already affecting global energy markets.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for a significant share of global hydrocarbon trade, has slowed considerably, with Iran calling for the full implementation of the agreement.

Tehran also reminded parties that, under its agreement with Washington, ships will be allowed to transit the strait free of charges for a period of 60 days.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, Brent crude oil stabilised at around $80 per barrel, as markets closely monitor the latest diplomatic developments.