US-Iran Dialogue Begins in Switzerland, Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon Again
Diplomatic efforts to end the war between the United States (US), Israel, and Iran have entered a new chapter. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are scheduled to travel to Switzerland for negotiations aimed at transforming a temporary agreement into long-term peace.
According to an Axios report, the meeting is a follow-up to a 14-point interim pact agreed this week to halt the conflict that erupted on 28 February. The talks are also expected to pave the way for resolving the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme and restoring regional stability, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global energy supplies.
However, the prospects for the negotiations face challenges after Israel launched renewed air and drone strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday (20 June), just hours after a ceasefire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group came into effect.
Lebanese state media reported at least five people killed in a series of attacks in the Nabatieh area by Saturday. The strikes destroyed several residential buildings and were accompanied by artillery fire into surrounding areas.
A senior US official stated the ceasefire took effect on Friday afternoon local time. The information was also confirmed by a Hezbollah source and a senior Israeli official.
“The cessation of hostilities in Lebanon is a main pillar in the upcoming negotiation process,” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said regarding plans for Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington.
The interim agreement reached this week requires the US, Iran, and their allies to cease all military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Israel asserted it is not a party to that agreement.
The Axios report mentioned Witkoff will join Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is already in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Iran has not officially confirmed Araqchi’s travel plans.
The Swiss government stated it is ready to facilitate dialogue between the two countries. Technical preparations for the negotiations are also said to be ongoing.
The conflict, which has been ongoing since February, has killed at least 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. The war has also triggered a rise in global energy prices and increased inflationary pressures in various countries.