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U.S.-Iran Talks Postponed After Four Israeli Soldiers Killed and Iran Declines to Attend
Planned Friday talks in Switzerland were called off after fighting in southern Lebanon killed four Israeli soldiers and wounded five others. No new date was set.
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Talks between the United States and Iran scheduled for Friday at Switzerland’s Burgenstock Resort were postponed after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon killed four Israeli soldiers. Three officials said Iranian representatives did not travel to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place.
Vice President JD Vance also canceled his trip.
Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the postponement and said dozens of staff and journalists had already arrived at the resort. No new date was announced. Israel’s military said the four soldiers, including one lieutenant colonel, were killed when a tank was attacked near Nabatiyeh.
An explosive drone attack wounded five other soldiers. The military then struck Hezbollah infrastructure sites in Nabatiyeh and other areas, and later hit targets in the Beqaa Valley, including the village of Douris. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least 21 people killed in the fighting.
France 24 reported 18 people killed in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said its forces targeted Israeli tanks near Ali al-Taher hilltop in response to what it called Israeli violations of the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that Israel will not tolerate attacks on its soldiers or territory and will exact a heavy price from Hezbollah.
An interim agreement signed digitally on Wednesday between the United States and Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Five million barrels of oil moved through the strait on Wednesday night. The accord gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, with the possibility of extension, and includes a $300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction if a new deal is reached.
Two other regional officials described Pakistan as stunned by Iran’s decision not to attend. The United States lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports after the interim agreement was signed.
