U.S. and Iran postpone nuclear talks as Lebanon clashes resume

The U.S. and Iran postponed the opening of talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland on a final agreement to restrict Iran's nuclear activities and establish a permanent peace framework. Switzerland's foreign ministry announced the postponement on Friday morning without stating a reason.

Preparatory work at the Burgenstock resort is continuing, and the ministry said it remains ready to host the discussions.

Israeli forces struck Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon overnight, killing 16 people according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. The Israeli military said the targets were militants and forces throughout the night. Iran had conditioned further progress on a ceasefire in Lebanon. The overnight fighting occurred hours before the planned start of the Switzerland talks.

The postponement follows a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this week that lifted a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and committed Iran to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides agreed to extend their ceasefire during the new round of talks, which are intended to conclude within 60 days.

The sides aim to limit Iran's uranium processing, possibly for a decade or longer, and to destroy or dilute existing stocks of highly enriched uranium.

A White House spokesperson attributed the delay to logistical challenges and said an American delegation is prepared to depart at the first opportunity. Late Thursday the U.S. said Vice President JD Vance would not depart for the negotiations. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is not believed to have left for Switzerland either.

" — Switzerland's foreign ministry, June 19, 2026 (Bloomberg) Israel maintains that its troops will remain across its northern border until it determines Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to communities there. The U.S. has designated Hezbollah a terrorist organization.