The talks between the US and Iran scheduled to take place on Friday in Switzerland collapsed after a sharp escalation in violence between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon disrupted preparations and raised tensions across the region.
The negotiations, which were due to begin in the Swiss village of Obbürgen, aimed to implement a peace framework linked to Iran’s nuclear programme and regional stability, including maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
US delegation withdraws from Switzerland
The White House confirmed that US Vice-President JD Vance, who was leading the delegation, would no longer travel to Switzerland. Officials said Washington still intended to pursue technical discussions “as soon as possible”, despite the cancellation of the talks with Iran.
A White House spokesperson described the logistics of the process as “never simple or predictable”, confirming the abrupt change in plans late on Thursday.
The talks followed a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the week, which opened a 60-day negotiation window for a longer-term agreement.
Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fire
The cancellation came as Israel and Hezbollah engaged in some of their most intense clashes since a ceasefire agreement was announced.
Hezbollah targeted Israeli forces near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon with multiple rocket salvoes. Israel responded with airstrikes on the city and surrounding areas, resulting in multiple casualties, including reports of civilian deaths.
Both sides accused each other of violating ceasefire conditions, with Israel stating that Hezbollah had resumed attacks on its forces, while Hezbollah insisted it was responding to Israeli advances in southern Lebanon.
The latest escalation adds to an already heavy toll in the region. Reports indicate thousands of deaths in Lebanon since the conflict intensified, alongside military and civilian casualties in Israel.
Israel also announced the creation of a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, further heightening tensions and drawing criticism from Lebanese officials and regional actors.
Nuclear negotiations face uncertainty
Iranian officials indicated hesitation over proceeding with the talks without clear implementation of prior commitments from the United States. Tehran also warned against any breaches of the agreement, signalling a hardened stance ahead of future negotiations.
Despite the cancellation, US officials insisted the diplomatic process remains active, although no new date for the Iran talks has been confirmed.
The breakdown of the planned meeting underscores growing instability in the region, where overlapping conflicts continue to complicate efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.
Also read: First tankers cross strait under Iran deal; Israeli strikes raise doubt in Lebanon
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