US-Iran talks delayed as Iran demands end to Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon
U.S. Vice President JD Vance cancelled his trip to Switzerland, postponing technical talks with Iran after Tehran said it will not resume negotiations until hostilities in Lebanon cease.
Technical negotiations between the United States and Iran scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were postponed after Vice President JD Vance cancelled his travel plans. Tehran has told Washington that it will not resume talks until it receives assurances that Israel will halt its military actions in Lebanon, a diplomat familiar with the matter said.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon overnight killed at least 21 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry, after a Hezbollah explosive device killed four Israeli soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli Defense Forces would continue operations to protect northern Israel, but did not indicate any change in policy toward withdrawing from the border area.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned remarks by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, describing the comments as inflammatory. Hezbollah accused Israel of “escalating violations” of the ceasefire and pledged to remain vigilant against further aggression.
The United States has conveyed to Iran that Israel has agreed not to further escalate attacks against Hezbollah, a source said. Washington’s position is that any further Israeli actions would jeopardize the broader U.S.–Iran agreement, which includes a commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In the meantime, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased, with 25 vessels recorded on Thursday – the highest daily total since April, according to marine-intelligence firm AXSMarine. Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority said ships must register for permits and insurance during the 60-day period covered by the memorandum of understanding, but that fees would be waived for that time.
Both sides remain wary. Iranian officials have warned of a reciprocal response if the United States violates the agreement, while Israeli officials maintain that they will not tolerate attacks on their forces.
The postponement of the Swiss talks underscores the fragility of the ceasefire framework, which links the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon to the broader U.S.–Iran negotiations.
