US-Iran Talks Postponed Following VP Vance's Trip Cancellation
A new round of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran has been postponed after Vice-President JD Vance postponed his planned trip to Switzerland.
The White House announced late on Thursday that Vance would not be attending the talks, citing that the logistics had not been "simple or predictable." This development comes one day after the US lifted its naval blockade on Iran following the signing of a deal intended to end the ongoing conflict.
Continued Violence in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Agreement
Although the agreement also called for an end to fighting in Lebanon, the country's health ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 18 people in the southern region overnight.
Israel's military stated that it targeted the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, and confirmed that four of its own soldiers had been killed during the operations.
Scheduled Negotiations and White House Statement
Negotiators were expected to meet for what US officials described as "technical discussions" regarding the next steps of the agreement signed earlier this week.
However, the White House released a statement indicating that plans for the talks had "not been finalised." It added that the US looked forward to "beginning technical talks as soon as possible."
Switzerland's foreign ministry later confirmed that the talks at the Burgenstock mountaintop resort had been "postponed," but noted that preparations for future discussions were ongoing.
Focus and Content of the Negotiations
The negotiations were anticipated to concentrate on implementing the agreement and initiating discussions on longer-term issues, including Iran's nuclear program.
The deal, centered around 14 points, includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a commitment that Iran will never develop a nuclear weapon, a $300 billion (£224 billion) plan for Iran's reconstruction, and the US terminating "all types of sanctions" on Iran.
Additionally, the agreement binds both parties to achieving a final deal within a "maximum" of 60 days, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.
Iran's Supreme Leader Comments on the Deal
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that he had approved the deal with the US despite holding a "different view," asserting that former President Trump had "out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage" to bring it about.
"While there would be 'in-person negotiations in the future' between Tehran and Washington, this would 'not mean acceptance of the enemy's position.'"
Reports on Suspension of Talks and Regional Tensions
Hezbollah-linked Lebanese media reported that the talks had been suspended due to ongoing Israeli air strikes.
Iran has consistently insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire agreement, a position Israel has rejected, arguing that its conflict against Hezbollah is distinct from its war with Iran. Hezbollah has also rejected the terms of the deal between Iran and the US.
US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he expected a ceasefire to take effect "on all fronts," including between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The text of the agreement also calls for a permanent cessation of conflict and for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty to be ensured.
Impact of Israeli Strikes in Southern Lebanon
Lebanon's state news agency described the overnight bombardment across the southern Nabatieh district as one of the most intense of the war, reporting at least 18 fatalities, 33 injuries, and damage to several buildings.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it targeted infrastructure and individuals linked to Hezbollah during these operations.
