Efforts continue for a final US-Iran deal/ Witkoff and Kushner in Switzerland for talks with Qatari mediators
A new wave of diplomatic activity is underway in Switzerland, where the possibility of resuming negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program is being considered. The developments come after a ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah, which has created a more favorable climate for a return to the negotiating table.
White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is headed to Switzerland to discuss a possible deal with Iran, along with Jared Kushner, a close aide to President Donald Trump, and the prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar, who is considered an important mediator between Washington and Tehran.
The negotiations were scheduled to begin on Friday but were postponed due to the escalation of fighting in Lebanon. However, the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah has reopened the possibility of continuing diplomatic dialogue.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 47 dead and around 100 injured in Israeli shelling, while the Israeli army announced the loss of four soldiers, including a senior officer. The rhetoric between the parties continues to be harsh, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that Hezbollah will pay a very heavy "price", while National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for stronger measures against Lebanon. On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of seeking a permanent conflict in the region. According to a US official, the ceasefire was reached after mediation by the US, Qatar, Israel and Iran. However, just a few hours after its announcement, new incidents were reported, with Lebanese sources speaking of other shelling, claims which were denied by Israel.
Meanwhile, Switzerland has announced that nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran have been postponed indefinitely. According to Iranian authorities, there is no rush to hold the meeting and a new date is expected to be set in the coming days. The developments are also affecting international energy markets. Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has accelerated significantly, while the price of Brent oil has stabilized around the $80 per barrel level, as investors carefully follow the progress of the negotiations and the security situation in the Middle East.
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