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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Iran-US deal under strain after Swiss talks postponed

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A newly signed deal to end the Middle East war is under strain following the postponement of talks in Switzerland and renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
  • Iran's supreme leader had only allowed the preliminary deal to proceed despite reservations, and its top negotiator warned of retaliation if the agreement is breached.
  • The deal aims to end the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and initiate talks on wider issues, including Tehran's nuclear program.

A recently signed deal intended to end the Middle East war is facing immediate challenges, with talks in Switzerland postponed and fighting escalating between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. These developments occurred after Iran's supreme leader indicated he had permitted the preliminary agreement despite his reservations. His top negotiator also issued a warning to Washington, stating Iran was prepared to retaliate against any breach of the accord.

They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to head on that path again, they will get an even harder slap.

— Mohammad Bagher GhalibafIran's top negotiator warned of a strong response to any breach of the newly signed deal.

Mediators, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, were scheduled to meet in Alamein, Egypt, on Sunday to discuss the deal. Preparations were also made for Iranian and US delegations to convene at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland to negotiate the implementation of the agreement, signed this week by Presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, cautioned that Tehran would deliver a "decisive response" to any "breach of contract" or "excessive demands."

The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed.

— Swiss foreign ministryThe Swiss foreign ministry confirmed the postponement of the scheduled negotiations.

The accord was designed to halt the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, which had involved five weeks of intense warfare until a ceasefire in April. It also aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route whose closure had driven up global energy prices. The agreement initiates a 60-day period for discussions on broader issues, including Iran's nuclear program. However, despite the deal, Israel's military reported new strikes on Hezbollah targets, resulting in 18 deaths according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel also reported the deaths of four soldiers in southern Lebanon, the first fatalities since the deal was signed, prompting a strong reaction from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing.

— Swiss foreign ministryThe Swiss foreign ministry stated its readiness to host the talks despite the postponement.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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