Trump Envoy Heads to Switzerland for Iran Talks After Lebanon Ceasefire

Key News on Iran-US War

(Taipei, Taiwan) - Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement on the 19th, following an escalation of local conflict that had previously threatened a temporary agreement aimed at ending the Iran war and even weakened hopes for its further development into a long-term peace agreement for the Middle East.

According to a report by the American news website Axios today, citing U.S. officials, U.S. President Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is heading to Switzerland to prepare for the first round of negotiations with Iran on a potential nuclear agreement.

This development comes a day after U.S. Vice President JD Vance canceled his attendance at the talks in Switzerland, which were temporarily halted due to renewed fighting in Lebanon. The escalation of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict also led to new uncertainties for crucial negotiations aimed at restoring international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump told NBC News that he had spoken with Israel and urged them to agree to a ceasefire, stating, "Sometimes you just have to calm down and use your brain." However, he did not specify whether he spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A high-ranking U.S. official stated that the ceasefire took effect at 4 p.m. Lebanon time (1 p.m. GMT), with brief exchanges of fire occurring before its implementation. The official noted that the ceasefire agreement was facilitated by U.S. and Qatari coordinating personnel with assistance from Iran.

Two Hezbollah sources close to Iran and a senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters.

The Israeli official said, "As long as Hezbollah does not attack us, it is not a time of war for us." He also stated that the Israeli army would remain stationed in the occupied zone in southern Lebanon, along the northern border.

Lebanese security sources reported that approximately 12 Israeli airstrikes were carried out in the first hour after the ceasefire took effect, but no further attacks were reported after 5 p.m.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that Israeli airstrikes early on the 19th resulted in 47 deaths and 97 injuries; the Israeli military, however, reported that 4 soldiers were killed in an incident in Lebanon, without providing further details. (Compiled by Shi Shi) 1150620

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