U.S.-Iran peace talks delayed after Vice President Vance cancels Switzerland visit amid Israeli strikes in Lebanon
The inaugural U.S.-Iran negotiations were postponed when Vice President JD Vance called off his trip to Switzerland, while fresh Israeli attacks in Lebanon raised concerns about the interim agreement.
The first round of technical talks between the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan, scheduled for Friday in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, was postponed after Vice President JD Vance cancelled his planned travel to Switzerland. The White House did not provide a specific reason for the cancellation. Switzerland’s foreign ministry confirmed the meeting would not take place but said the country remains ready to facilitate the talks and that preparatory work continues.
A White House spokesperson said the vice president’s press conference indicated that the technical talks had not been finalized and that logistical challenges had prevented his departure. The spokesperson added that the United States “looks forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible.”
At a press briefing, Vance emphasized that Israel must “respect this peace process that is fundamentally good for them and good for the entire region.” He also criticized recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, describing them as “not acceptable” given their timing near a potential breakthrough in the agreement.
Israel reported overnight strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, saying the operation killed at least 18 people, according to Lebanese health officials. Israeli military statements noted four of its soldiers were killed and five injured in related fighting.
Iran’s state media reported the postponement without offering an explanation. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a Telegram statement, said the interim memorandum was accepted “out of desperation” and warned Tehran would not comply with any “excessive” U.S. demands.
The interim agreement, signed earlier this month, includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Brent crude prices steadied on Friday but remained on track for a weekly decline after the news of the delayed talks. Marine traffic data showed a limited number of vessels—two Chinese, two Hong Kong-registered ships and a Japanese crude tanker—leaving the Persian Gulf for the strait.
