The United States and Iran have begun preparing for talks after an agreement to end the war, Reuters reports.
U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have headed to Switzerland, where talks on a further settlement of the conflict are expected to take place.
They will be the next stage after the signing of a 14-point interim agreement. The document provides for the launch of a 60-day negotiation process on Iran’s nuclear program and other disputed issues.
At the same time, the situation in Lebanon remains tense. According to Lebanese media, several hours after the ceasefire came into effect, Israel carried out new airstrikes and drone strikes on the south of the country. At least five people are reported dead.
A Reuters source said that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Friday. Representatives of both sides also confirmed this information.
According to Axios, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, has already joined the talks in Switzerland.
Under the terms of the interim agreement, the sides must cease hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran earlier said responsibility for ensuring compliance with the arrangements lies with the United States.
Updated
Iranian representatives are insisting on an end to hostilities in Lebanon as a condition for starting talks in Switzerland, the Associated Press reports.
The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has been ongoing since late February. During that time, according to Reuters, at least 7,000 people have been killed, mainly in Iran and Lebanon. One of the goals of the talks is to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize the global energy market.
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