US-Iran nuclear talks to resume as Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire holds
What's the story
The United States and Iran are set to restart talks in Switzerland on a potential nuclear deal, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The development comes after US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff departed for Switzerland on Friday for the first round of negotiations, according to Axios. The latest development comes after Vice President JD Vance canceled his plans to attend amid renewed fighting in Lebanon.
Conflict resolution
Ceasefire brokered by US and Qatari negotiators
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was brokered with the help of US and Qatari negotiators. A senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire, telling Reuters, "If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war." However, two Lebanese security sources reported Israeli airstrikes within the first hour of the ceasefire, although none were recorded after 5pm, local time.
Negotiation progress
Ceasefire a prerequisite for US-Iran negotiations
The ceasefire is a prerequisite for broader US-Iran negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. A memorandum of understanding signed earlier this week by the Iranian and US presidents gives both sides 60 days to finalize a deal or extend the interim agreement. Israel, which is not a party to the talks, has reiterated its commitment to keeping its forces in southern Lebanon.
Diplomatic discussions
US discusses disarming Hezbollah with Lebanese president
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about disarming Hezbollah and supporting a "fully sovereign" Lebanese state. They also discussed holding further Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Washington from June 23-25. The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has claimed at least 7,000 lives, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and pushed global energy prices higher.
Deal defense
Trump defends interim deal amid criticism
Despite criticism from some Republican allies in Congress, who question whether he conceded too much, Trump defended the interim deal. He emphasized Iran's diminished position and reiterated that it would not receive any financial benefits during the negotiation period. Taking to Truth Social, he wrote, "We didn't meet out of ​desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED! We'll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!"