GENEVA — Planned technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland were postponed on Friday amid ongoing developments in Lebanon, including Israeli strikes and a subsequent ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, officials said.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance canceled his planned trip to the Burgenstock resort near Lake Lucerne, where the negotiations were scheduled to begin, citing logistical issues, a White House spokesperson said. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the postponement, stating that preparations for the talks had been far advanced but would not proceed as planned.
The discussions were intended to address technical aspects of a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at formalizing elements of a broader regional ceasefire and addressing issues including Iran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials linked the delay to Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, according to reports from Iranian state media and diplomats.
A senior U.S. official told reporters that Washington had sought assurances from Israel to avoid further escalation in Lebanon prior to the talks. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a ceasefire following intensified fighting that threatened the diplomatic process, multiple outlets reported.
The postponement comes days after the interim U.S.-Iran agreement, which established a 60-day framework for further negotiations. Iranian President or officials expressed skepticism about aspects of the deal, while U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has pushed for progress on curbing Iran's nuclear activities.
Switzerland's foreign ministry said it remained ready to facilitate the talks and that preparatory work would continue. A U.S. statement indicated Washington looked forward to beginning technical discussions "as soon as possible."
The situation in Lebanon has been a persistent point of tension. Israeli strikes in the area killed civilians, according to reports, prompting Iranian concerns over implementation of the broader truce. Hezbollah and Israeli officials have traded accusations amid the fragile ceasefire.
As of Friday afternoon, no new date had been set for the U.S.-Iran technical talks. Both sides indicated willingness to resume once conditions in Lebanon stabilized, though details on next steps remained unclear. Further diplomatic efforts were underway behind the scenes, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The developments highlight the interconnected nature of regional conflicts and the challenges in advancing U.S.-Iran diplomacy amid hostilities involving Israel and Iranian-backed groups.
