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US-Iran talks in Switzerland cancelled after Israeli air strikes on Lebanon
🇮🇪 Ireland /Conflict & Security

US-Iran talks in Switzerland cancelled after Israeli air strikes on Lebanon

From Irish Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • US-Iran talks in Switzerland aimed at ending their war were abruptly canceled.
  • The cancellation occurred just days after a memorandum of understanding was signed to negotiate a permanent nuclear deal and ease oil traffic.
  • Israeli air strikes in Lebanon are cited as a reason for Iran's delay in sending its delegation, adding uncertainty to the peace process.

Talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to finalize a 14-point agreement to end their war, have been abruptly canceled, Switzerland's foreign ministry announced. The negotiations were set to begin Friday in the Swiss village of Obbürgen, two days after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The MOU established a 60-day period to negotiate a lasting agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program and to facilitate oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz. The White House had expressed anticipation for "technical talks as soon as possible." However, the cancellation meant that JD Vance, who was leading the U.S. negotiations for the Trump administration, would not be traveling as planned.

Sources indicated that the cancellation followed a report from Al-Mayadeen, an Arabic network aligned with Hezbollah, suggesting Tehran was delaying its delegation's departure due to ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Israel, which was not part of the US-Iran agreement, had launched fresh air strikes in Lebanon early Thursday.

The logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now the vice-president is not departing tonight.

— White House spokespersonExplaining the uncertainty surrounding the US delegation's travel plans.

The MOU itself calls for the "permanent termination" of the war in Lebanon and the assurance of the country's "territorial integrity and sovereignty." US President Donald Trump had expected a complete ceasefire across all fronts. However, the Israeli government maintained its stance on not withdrawing from Lebanon, drawing criticism from Trump and Vance.

Adding to the tension, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned against any breaches of the agreement, stating that "in case of misconduct, breach of treaty and excess of the other side, we have no doubt that decisive response will be given to the enemy." The diplomatic back-and-forth highlights the fragile nature of the potential truce.

in case of misconduct, breach of treaty and excess of the other side, we have no doubt that decisive response will be given to the enemy

— Mohammad Bagher GhalibafWarning against any violations of the agreement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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