Iran war: Steve Witkoff heading to Switzerland for talks
Published June 20, 2026last updated June 20, 2026
What you need to know
- Special envoy Steve Witkoff is flying to Switzerland to restart the peace process
- Lebanon media report new Israeli airstrikes, multiple deaths
- Hezbollah and Israel announced a ceasefire on Friday afternoon
Read here for the latest developments on the Iran war on Saturday, June 20.
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New Israeli airstrikes kill 5 in Lebanon — report
Israel launched a new round of strikes against targets in southern Lebanon overnight, killing five people, according to Lebanese news agency NNA.
The state-run agency said the Israeli military used jets, drones and artillery against residential buildings. The Israeli military, or Israel Defense Forces, did not immediately comment.
The news comes just hours after Israel agreed to a ceasefire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia based in Lebanon.
Any renewed fighting in Lebanon could threaten US and Iranian efforts to restart the peace process in Switzerland.
Reports: Trump envoy Witkoff to renew peace talks in Switzerland
US diplomat Steve Witkoff, who serves as Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, is on his way to Switzerland, where he is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, US media reported on Saturday.
The talks come after US Vice President JD Vance canceled his own trip on Friday.
Washington and Tehran were hoping to work out the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on ending the Iran war. Those plans were disrupted due to renewed fighting between Israeli forces and the Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Hezbollah is deemed a terror group by Israel, Germany, the US and many other countries.
It was not clear if Vance is also traveling to Switzerland on Saturday. However, reports indicated Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who also acted the White House envoy in the Middle East, will attend the renewed talks.
Welcome to our coverage
You join us as the United States and Iran move to salvage the Switzerland peace talks after negotiations scheduled for Friday were postponed during heavy fighting in Lebanon.
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militia have since announced a ceasefire. Latest reports, however, indicate more Israeli airstrikes.
Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also reportedly expected to attend talks in Switzerland.
We will be bringing you latest updates, videos and expert analysis on the conflict in the Middle East throughout the day.