Plans for U.S. and Iranian negotiators to meet in Switzerland on Friday have been shelved, creating fresh uncertainty over efforts to transform a temporary ceasefire framework into a comprehensive peace agreement after more than three months of conflict.
The postponement comes as renewed violence in Lebanon threatens to complicate an already fragile diplomatic process. Israeli forces launched a new round of strikes against Hezbollah positions, while Lebanese officials reported that at least 18 people were killed in the attacks. Israel, meanwhile, said four of its soldiers died in what it described as one of the deadliest Hezbollah assaults since the conflict began.
The recent memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran established a framework for ending hostilities but left several of the most contentious issues unresolved, including the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Under the agreement, both sides have 60 days to negotiate a more permanent settlement or agree to extend the interim arrangement.
Preparations for technical negotiations in the Swiss resort of Buergenstock were reportedly well advanced before the talks were called off. According to sources familiar with the matter, U.S. Vice President JD Vance informed officials on Thursday that he would no longer attend the planned meetings.
Earlier the same day, a source familiar with Tehran’s position said Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, was also not expected to participate.
The cancellation has raised concerns about whether momentum generated by the memorandum can be maintained, particularly as tensions continue to simmer across the region.
Diplomats had hoped the Swiss talks would mark the first step toward addressing key disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief and broader regional security arrangements.
With negotiations delayed and fighting intensifying in Lebanon, mediators are now working to reschedule the discussions and prevent the peace process from losing momentum.
The latest developments underscore the challenges facing both Washington and Tehran as they attempt to move from a temporary ceasefire toward a durable and comprehensive agreement.
