Trump sends Witkoff to Switzerland for Iran nuclear talks after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
White House envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Switzerland for the first round of new negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal, after Friday's session was postponed by fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The diplomatic push
White House envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Switzerland for what would be the first round of talks between the United States and Iran on a potential nuclear deal, Axios reported Thursday. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner is already in the country. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, a key mediator between Washington and Tehran, arrived at the Bürgenstock resort earlier on Friday.
The Lebanon interruption
The talks were originally set to begin on Friday but were postponed because of renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance, who was expected to lead the American delegation, postponed his trip at the last minute on Thursday night. Hours later, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew their ceasefire, opening a path for the negotiations to proceed.
- Vice President Vance postpones planned trip to Switzerland
- Talks postponed because of Israel-Hezbollah fighting
- Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew ceasefire
- Trump posts on social media defending Iran engagement
- Witkoff heads to Switzerland; Kushner and Qatari PM already there
Trump's take
Facing criticism from some congressional Republicans who fear he has conceded too much to end an unpopular war before November's midterm elections, Trump defended the engagement on social media.
The War has diminished Iran! 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!
What comes next
It remains unclear whether a new time has been set for the talks or if Vice President Vance will travel to Switzerland this weekend. The diplomatic back-and-forth has sent energy prices higher and stoked fears of broader economic disruption.
