Washington, June 20: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Switzerland as preparations continue for a new round of negotiations between the United States and Iran following a recently announced memorandum of understanding (MoU), according to Axios.
The first round of talks, aimed at reaching a potential agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, is expected to take place in Switzerland. Senior Adviser Jared Kushner has already arrived in the country ahead of the discussions.
The negotiations were originally scheduled for Friday but were postponed due to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, a ceasefire brokered through mediation efforts involving the United States, Qatar and other regional actors has since taken effect.
Axios reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is planning to travel to Switzerland on Saturday to participate in the talks, although his plans remain subject to developments in the region. Sources indicated that the situation in Lebanon remains a key factor in Tehran’s decision on whether to proceed with the negotiations.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also arrived in Switzerland, where Doha is continuing its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the planned talks had been postponed but said Switzerland remains prepared to facilitate the negotiations and that preparatory work at the Burgenstock venue is continuing.
The 14-point MoU between the United States and Iran includes a cessation of military operations, negotiations on a final agreement within 60 days, discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, phased sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and measures to facilitate commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
During a meeting in Switzerland with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s support for dialogue between the United States and Iran to address outstanding issues through diplomatic means.