Key facts
- Planned U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland were postponed due to escalating fighting in Lebanon.
- Israel expanded its zone of control in southern Lebanon, defying a US-Iran pact.
- The interim deal requires an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts.
- Recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed 18 people and wounded 33.
- Four Israeli soldiers were killed in an incident in Lebanon.
- Critics questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's concessions in the interim deal with Iran.
Planned U.S.-Iran negotiations in Switzerland were canceled as fighting intensified in Lebanon, creating uncertainty about the timing of talks aimed at turning an interim agreement into a more permanent Middle East peace deal. The flareup in Lebanon, which has seen significant casualties on both sides, could impact broader negotiations as ending the fighting there is a condition for the U.S.-Iran accord.
Israel published a map of an expanded zone of control in southern Lebanon, defying a memorandum of understanding signed this week by the Iranian and U.S. presidents. This interim deal requires the United States, Iran, and their allies to declare an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Israel, which was not party to the talks, stated it is not bound by the agreement.
Preparations for technical talks in Switzerland were advanced when U.S. Vice President JD Vance canceled his attendance. A source familiar with Iran's position indicated that lead negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf was not planning to attend. A Swiss foreign ministry statement confirmed the talks were postponed.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah stated that Iran had informed the group that talks with the U.S. could not proceed without a comprehensive ceasefire and that Washington was responsible for ensuring Israel halts its attacks. He also suggested Lebanon's government should reject direct negotiations with Israel as long as attacks continue.
Lebanon's health ministry reported 18 people killed and 33 wounded in airstrikes since midnight, with the toll expected to rise. The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of four soldiers in an incident in Lebanon and stated it carried out strikes targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure in response to repeated ceasefire violations.
Critics of the interim deal, including some of President Trump's Republican allies in Congress, questioned whether he had conceded too much. The deal, which aims to resolve issues including Iran's nuclear program and provide financial incentives, has been seen by some as strengthening Iran's position after it withstood a superpower attack and gained waivers on financial sanctions.