US-Iran nuclear talks in Switzerland postponed indefinitely after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
The United States–Iran negotiations scheduled for 19 June at Bürgenstock near Lucerne were called off indefinitely, with Tehran accusing Israel of derailing the process through military operations in southern Lebanon and holding Washington directly responsible.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) confirmed the postponement. Spokesperson Nicolas Bideau said that Switzerland remains ready and continues preparations, adding that it stays fully committed to promoting dialogue.
Switzerland remains ready and continues preparations. It remains fully committed to its efforts to promote dialogue.
According to the Financial Times, Iran did not send a delegation because of a series of lethal Israeli airstrikes. Iranian officials demanded guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon cease, as stipulated in the 17 June peace memorandum. A diplomat familiar with the matter said mediators are working to resolve the issue.
The Iranians have asked for guarantees that the hostilities in Lebanon cease, as foreseen by the signed agreement, and the mediators are currently working to resolve the matter.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismaeil Baghaei condemned the Israeli operations as "terrorist acts" and warned of immediate consequences of escalation, citing violations of the peace memorandum. An earlier ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the US and Qatar with Iran’s help and set to start at 16:00 local time, was quickly undermined: the Israeli military struck over 80 targets in southern Lebanon, killing dozens of Hezbollah fighters, and a new raid hit Sejoud after the truce announcement. US President Donald Trump said he had asked Israel to accept the ceasefire and assured that the US would be able to stop Israel from attacking Lebanon.
