Iraqi and Weitkov Head to Switzerland to Start Iranian-American Negotiations

SadaNews - A day after the postponement of the expected U.S.-Iran talks at the luxurious Bürgenstock mountain resort, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. envoy Steve Weitkov are set to head to Switzerland.

An informed source stated that Araqchi plans to travel to Switzerland today, Saturday. However, the source clarified that this plan is still subject to change, according to "Axios."

A source from one of the intermediary countries confirmed that the Iranian minister informed several of his counterparts yesterday, Friday, that the ceasefire in Lebanon is a pivotal issue for Iran and represents a crucial factor for the success or failure of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Additionally, a second source from one of the intermediary countries indicated that the Iranians emphasized that they want to see the ceasefire effectively implemented before heading to Switzerland to commence technical talks with the U.S. side.

Simultaneously, an American official reported that White House special envoy Steve Weitkov is also on his way to Switzerland, where the first round of talks with the Iranian side is expected to take place regarding a potential nuclear agreement. The official added that Jared Kushner, the envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, is already in Switzerland.

The informed source also revealed that the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is already in Switzerland to assist with the technical aspects of the nuclear talks, ahead of the potential arrival of senior negotiators. The source noted that Grossi met with U.S. technical teams there yesterday.

This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about resolving all outstanding issues with Iran within 60 days, which is the timeframe set by the memorandum of understanding signed by both the U.S. and Iranian sides last Wednesday night, with the possibility of extension.

It also follows the postponement of a meeting that was expected yesterday in Switzerland to initiate technical talks between the two sides regarding the nuclear file, after the Israeli military escalation in Lebanon, amid U.S. intelligence reports on Tel Aviv's efforts to obstruct reaching an understanding between Washington and Tehran.