Switzerland Talks between US-Iran Called Off

BERN, Jun 19: Planned US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland have been postponed after Swiss authorities confirmed that talks scheduled at the Bürgenstock resort on Friday would not proceed as originally planned, adding uncertainty to the next phase of diplomacy following the signing of an interim memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran.

The delay comes amid efforts to implement the agreement aimed at ending the three-month conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. While both sides have agreed to continue negotiations, key issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding the MoU's provisions on Lebanon and the broader regional ceasefire framework.

Reports also indicate that US Vice President JD Vance has canceled his planned trip to Switzerland. According to a spokesperson cited by journalist Kaitlan Collins, technical discussions are still being prepared and logistical arrangements have not been finalized. The spokesperson said the US delegation remains ready to depart once conditions are in place, noting that negotiations have "never been simple or predictable."

Meanwhile, Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported, citing a US official, that the postponement of Vance's trip may be linked to Iranian demands concerning Lebanon. The interim agreement calls for a halt to hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, but disagreements persist over how those commitments should be interpreted and enforced.

The developments come a day after Vance publicly criticized Israeli leaders over their approach to Iran, highlighting growing differences between Washington and Israel as efforts continue to advance the diplomatic process.