Report: Witkoff to Join Kushner in Switzerland for Iran Talks

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President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland to join the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, for the first round of negotiations with Iran, Axios reported, citing a U.S. official.

The official told Axios that Kushner is already in Switzerland. Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the U.S. delegation but postponed his trip Thursday night. It is unclear whether he will make the trip this weekend.

The U.S. and Iran on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a 60-day framework while negotiations continue toward a permanent deal.

The first round was scheduled to begin Friday but was postponed after hostilities between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists flared up in Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah on Friday agreed to a ceasefire.

It is unclear whether a time and date have been scheduled for the talks, according to Axios.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is planning to travel to Switzerland on Saturday, a source with knowledge of the situation told Axios. The source cautioned that the plans could still change.

A source from one of the mediating countries told Axios that Araghchi spoke with several counterparts Friday. According to the source, Araghchi said the ceasefire in Lebanon is a crucial issue for Iran and is "make or break" for the U.S.-Iran negotiations.

A second source from a mediating country told Axios the Iranians stressed they want to see a ceasefire take hold before traveling to Switzerland.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is one of the key mediators between the U.S. and Iran, arrived in Switzerland earlier Friday, according to Axios.

Michael Katz

Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.

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