Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry announced that scheduled talks between the U.S., Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed, adding that the Swiss remain ready to facilitate negotiations. Vice President JD Vance scrapped plans to travel to Switzerland on Friday for the next round of U.S.-Iran talks, the White House confirmed Thursday night.
Negotiations to implement the signed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war were scheduled to take place at a Swiss resort complex on Friday. Meanwhile, Israel struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon after four Israeli soldiers were killed.
New Uncertainty for Peace Deal
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U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland planned for Friday were cancelled as fighting flared in Lebanon, creating new uncertainty about the timing of negotiations vital to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday remotely executed the historic 14-point memorandum aimed at ending the war, bypassing a planned in-person Swiss ceremony by finalizing the text via concurrent digital signatures.
As a result, trade routes remain under pressure. Furthermore, oil markets react to shipment risks.
Even so, diplomats urge patience and continued backend contact. For instance, Qatari and Pakistani mediators may host alternative sessions.
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By contrast, ceasefire talks in Lebanon advanced, with Israel and Hezbollah agreeing to a ceasefire on Friday. Meanwhile, the Swiss foreign ministry said preparatory work at Bürgenstock continues.
Ultimately, the postponement delays a key step toward ending the war.
