BERN, June 20 — A ceasefire in Lebanon has revived efforts to turn an interim Iran war pact into a lasting regional deal, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi headed to Switzerland for talks. This development comes after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, following escalating fighting that had cast doubt over US-Iran talks critical to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilising oil supplies.
A senior US official said the ceasefire took effect around 4 pm in Lebanon, following an exchange of fire, and was worked out with help from Iran. The US and Iran are trying to negotiate a lasting deal, but the situation in Lebanon is a major obstacle.
The 14-point memorandum signed by Israel and Hezbollah this week to halt fighting and open a window to resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme is a step in the right direction. Witkoff is heading to Switzerland to join Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is already there, according to Axios. Aragchi plans to travel there on Saturday.
The White House did not respond to questions about Witkoff’s travel, but the fact that both sides are sending representatives to Switzerland may signal that they intend to begin technical negotiations aimed at securing a permanent truce. The ceasefire in Lebanon has created a window of opportunity for the US and Iran to make progress on a lasting deal.
If the talks are successful, it could lead to a more stable region and secure oil supplies. A senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire, saying “If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war.” Israel will keep its forces in southern Lebanon, where it has occupied an area along its northern border. Two sources from Hezbollah also confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters.
The US and Iran will likely use the window to try to resolve their differences and secure a permanent truce. Vice President JD Vance had cancelled plans to travel to Switzerland for the talks, but Witkoff is heading there now. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the road to a lasting deal will be long and challenging, but the ceasefire in Lebanon is a step in the right direction.
