Delegations from the United States and Iran have commenced negotiations in Switzerland as both sides seek to advance a recently agreed framework aimed at easing tensions across the Middle East.
The discussions come at a delicate moment, with renewed clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon threatening to undermine efforts to maintain regional stability.
Amid the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against allowing Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, to continue military activity in Lebanon. He cautioned that further unrest could trigger a stronger response from Washington.
The warning followed a wave of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 30 people in eastern and southern Lebanon on Saturday before hostilities eased later in the day after Israeli forces were instructed to halt operations against Hezbollah.
The developments have raised concerns over the durability of a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this week between Washington and Tehran, which calls for a cessation of hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
Speaking at the start of the Switzerland talks, US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about recent efforts to preserve calm in Lebanon, saying progress had been made in maintaining the ceasefire arrangement.
Vance noted that while challenges remain, diplomatic efforts are continuing with the goal of achieving broader regional stability and reducing the risk of further conflict.
He also argued that the United States has played a significant role in efforts to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon in recent months, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives in the region.
The negotiations are expected to focus on sustaining the ceasefire framework and preventing regional flashpoints from derailing the wider diplomatic process between the two countries.
