After Vice President Vance's trip to Switzerland for the symbolic signing ceremony of the U.S.-Iran agreement was postponed, U.S. officials stated that White House envoy Witkoff is en route to Switzerland and is expected to hold the first round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, has already arrived in Switzerland. According to informed sources, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Switzerland on Saturday, though this plan remains subject to change. Earlier, Araghchi told several foreign ministers on Friday that the ceasefire in Lebanon is a critical issue for Iran—the "make-or-break" factor in U.S.-Iran negotiations. Iran emphasized that it wants to see the ceasefire fully implemented before proceeding to Switzerland. Additionally, one of the key mediators between the U.S. and Iran, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, arrived in Switzerland earlier on Friday. Vance’s trip to Switzerland was “postponed,” not “cancelled,” but it remains unclear whether he will travel this weekend.
According to multiple U.S. officials familiar with the matter, U.S. intelligence agencies have warned the Trump administration that Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure to continue military operations in Lebanon, which could lead to actions undermining Trump’s efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement with Iran. The intelligence report states that contrary to a core provision of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, Israel appears intent on maintaining military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tensions are escalating between Netanyahu’s government and officials in the Trump administration, who have publicly cautioned Israel not to attack Hezbollah, as such actions would jeopardize Trump’s agreement. If Netanyahu persists, he risks not only undermining prospects for implementing the framework of the agreement signed on Wednesday but also damaging his relationship with Trump, whose support is crucial to Netanyahu’s political future.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister urged the Trump administration to ensure Israel complies with the U.S.-Iran deal, stating that Iran hopes to continue diplomatic efforts. Araghchi said that according to the memorandum of understanding, the United States bears “commitments and responsibilities” to “end all wars across every front, including Lebanon.” Trump stated, “Within 60 days, we must reach an agreement; otherwise, we will take actions that will not please (the Iranians).” Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a new ceasefire, yet Israel continues aerial bombardments in Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported that intensive Israeli airstrikes since midnight on Friday have caused at least 47 deaths and 97 injuries. Lebanese President Aoun said attacks by Israel on southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley are threatening ongoing peace efforts. Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes on residential apartments in central Gaza City, killing one Palestinian woman and injuring several others. Israel also attacked a tent camp in southern Gaza, resulting in at least five Palestinians being injured.
Trump stated that although China relies on Gulf oil, he personally requested China not to interfere in the Iran conflict. He added that he has expressed gratitude to China for refraining from intervening in the Iran war.
According to sources, Rubio plans to visit the Middle East next week, with expected stops in Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain, followed by a meeting with foreign ministers from all member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain.
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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868502290320523/
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