Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Halt Hostilities; Iran Plans Talks Within Days

[Anchor]

Follow-up working-level negotiations for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war between the United States and Iran, which were scheduled to be held in Switzerland, have faced difficulties, including a delay from the start. The biggest obstacle was the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, but both sides have agreed to a temporary halt.

Here is the report from our correspondent Kwon Yeongin in Switzerland.

[Reporter]

Israel and the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah, which had continued intense fighting that resulted in casualties even after the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding was signed, agreed yesterday (June 19) to cease their attacks.

While it remains unconfirmed whether this constitutes a complete ceasefire, it is reported that the agreement to halt hostilities was reached through the mediation of the United States and Qatar.

The memorandum of understanding stipulates that Israel must immediately and permanently cease its attacks on Lebanon, but Israel had continued its offensive while refusing to withdraw from occupied territories in southern Lebanon.

It is known that Israel was the primary reason for the postponement of the working-level talks between the U.S. and Iran, which were scheduled to be held in Switzerland yesterday.

With U.S. Vice President Vance even issuing strong criticism of Israel, it appears that Israel felt the pressure.

[JD Vance / U.S. Vice President: The Israelis who think President Trump is the problem need to wake up and realize the reality that Israel is facing.]

In this regard, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated yesterday that plans are underway to hold working-level talks with the U.S. within the next few days.

He also mentioned the cessation of Israeli attacks as a condition for initiating the negotiations.

Swiss officials, who were preparing for the working-level meeting, have decided to extend the access control measures near Bürgenstock, the venue for the talks, for two more days until June 22, as the possibility of face-to-face negotiations has increased again.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., where criticism remains fierce regarding the deal being a "giveaway," President Donald Trump reiterated that he will monitor the 60-day negotiation period until the end, emphasizing that rewards will only be provided if Iran fulfills the agreement.

(Video Editing: Jung Seong-hun)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.