US-Iran talks were postponed in Switzerland on Friday. This followed renewed Israel-Hezbollah clashes in southern Lebanon, which killed four Israeli soldiers and at least 21 people in Israeli strikes, officials and media reports said.
The planned technical negotiations were meant to follow a US-Iran memorandum of understanding. This agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran asked for guarantees that Israel would stop attacks in Lebanon before talks resumed. A diplomat with knowledge of the matter told CNN.
US Vice President JD Vance postponed his planned trip to Switzerland. The White House cited logistical constraints. Meanwhile, reports said the delay came as Washington sought to preserve the fragile diplomatic track.
The United States told Iran that Israel had agreed not to further escalate attacks against Hezbollah, a source familiar with the matter said. Furthermore, an Israeli source told CNN that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not plan further retaliation at that time.
Read: US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Called Off After Vance Exit
Netanyahu said he had ordered the Israel Defence Forces to strike Hezbollah “with force” after four soldiers were killed by an explosive device in southern Lebanon.
He said Israeli troops would remain in the southern Lebanon security zone as long as needed to protect northern Israel.
Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the south. Furthermore, Hezbollah accused Israel of “escalating violations” of the ceasefire and said its fighters would remain vigilant against attacks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s call for Lebanon to burn. He said the comment showed Israel wanted “permanent war.”
Marine intelligence firm AXSMarine said 25 commercial ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This was the highest number since April, after the US-Iran agreement promised to reopen the key waterway.
