

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took hold on Friday after a night of deadly fighting threatened to derail the wider US-Iran agreement reached earlier this week, as American envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi prepared to travel to Switzerland to push talks on a lasting regional settlement forward.
Latest developments you need to know?
- Iran’s deputy foreign minister told Al Jazeera that Tehran is “ready to move forward” with diplomacy with Washington, but said the United States must ensure Israel abides by the terms of the deal to end the war.
- A senior US official told Reuters that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed a ceasefire in Lebanon, though deadly Israeli attacks continued in the hours that followed.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States has a “commitment and responsibility” to end the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, as the deal stipulates. Araghchi separately told his Pakistani counterpart that Washington would be held responsible for any violation of its commitments under the deal.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff was headed to Switzerland to join Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, who was already there for preparatory talks, with Araghchi expected to follow on Saturday. Vice President JD Vance had earlier cancelled plans to travel to the talks amid the spike in Lebanon fighting.
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