Iran and USA Reportedly to Resume Talks on Ending War

The United States and Iran are reportedly poised to restart negotiations concerning an end to the Iran war, according to U.S. media outlets citing an American official. U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff is reportedly traveling to Switzerland for the initial round of discussions on a potential nuclear deal.

These talks were initially scheduled for Friday but were postponed following a resurgence of mutual attacks between the Israeli army and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. U.S. negotiator Jared Kushner is already in Switzerland, Axios reported. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also plans to travel to Switzerland, according to an informed source cited by the U.S. news portal, though this could change. Reports suggest Iran is waiting to see if a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah holds.

Despite an interim agreement, Lebanese security sources indicated that Israeli attacks continued. Both Israel and Hezbollah accused each other of violating a ceasefire established as part of a framework agreement between Washington and Tehran. The exact timing of the first discussion round following the framework agreement's signing remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Iran to discuss the continuation of negotiations with the U.S. with the Iranian leadership. Naqvi's plane landed in the pilgrimage city of Mashhad. He is expected to meet with the heads of the Iranian negotiation team, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistan has officially served as a mediator between Iran and the U.S. since April.

Washington and Tehran signed a framework agreement this week that includes a cessation of hostilities in the region. Further negotiations on contentious issues, such as Iran's nuclear program, are expected to follow within 60 days. Iran had previously demanded reconstruction aid, with the agreement outlining a reconstruction fund of at least $300 billion, though financing details are still pending. Observers estimate Tehran might initially be satisfied with the $24 billion requested last month, paid in two installments. Additionally, Tehran seeks an end to banking sanctions to regain access to the international financial system and enable legal oil sales.