US-Iran Talks Postponed as Cyrus Vance Cancels Trip Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
The first peace talks between the United States and Iran have been postponed, with Vice President JD Vance cancelling his planned travel to Switzerland. The decision comes as intense new Israeli strikes in Lebanon have cast doubts on the deal to end the war.
The escalation in Lebanon occurred just days after the interim US-Iran agreement was signed, and as the two sides were set to engage in their first negotiations to agree on a lasting conclusion to the conflict. The talks, which were scheduled to take place in the Swiss Alps, aimed to launch a 60-day period of negotiations to resolve key long-term issues and ensure a permanent end to the war.
Switzerland's foreign ministry confirmed that the planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan would not take place as scheduled. The ministry stated that "relevant preparatory work" in the mountaintop resort of Bürgenstock is continuing, and that Switzerland remains ready to facilitate the talks.
In Lebanon, Israel targeted Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah, killing at least 18 people, according to Lebanon's health officials. The Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers were killed in the fighting.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated that the interim agreement was signed "out of desperation" by the US. Khamenei gave his permission for the agreement, but warned that Iran would not submit to any "excessive" American demands. Iran has also warned that it would not abide by the agreement if Israel continues its campaign in Lebanon.
The escalation in Lebanon occurred just days after the interim US-Iran agreement was signed, and as the two sides were set to engage in their first negotiations to agree on a lasting conclusion to the conflict. The talks, which were scheduled to take place in the Swiss Alps, aimed to launch a 60-day period of negotiations to resolve key long-term issues and ensure a permanent end to the war.
Switzerland's foreign ministry confirmed that the planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan would not take place as scheduled. The ministry stated that "relevant preparatory work" in the mountaintop resort of Bürgenstock is continuing, and that Switzerland remains ready to facilitate the talks.
In Lebanon, Israel targeted Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah, killing at least 18 people, according to Lebanon's health officials. The Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers were killed in the fighting.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated that the interim agreement was signed "out of desperation" by the US. Khamenei gave his permission for the agreement, but warned that Iran would not submit to any "excessive" American demands. Iran has also warned that it would not abide by the agreement if Israel continues its campaign in Lebanon.
News, Global