Geneva: Switzerland has announced the postponement of planned face-to-face talks involving the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan, which were intended to advance a recently signed agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.
The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed that the negotiations, expected to take place at the Burgenstock resort, have been delayed without announcing a new date. It added that Switzerland remains prepared to host the discussions and that preparatory work is continuing.
The announcement came shortly after the White House cancelled US Vice-President JD Vance’s planned visit to Switzerland. Officials described the change as a result of the complex and unpredictable nature of the negotiations, while expressing hope that technical discussions would begin soon.
The agreement signed separately by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is designed to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch a 60-day dialogue on broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, tensions remain high in the region.
Israel’s military carried out fresh strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire framework, raising concerns about the stability of the agreement.
In Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said he approved the deal despite having reservations, explaining that he did so based on assurances from government officials to safeguard Iran’s national interests. He also stated that future direct talks with Washington should not be interpreted as acceptance of the US position.
Meanwhile, JD Vance strongly defended the agreement and urged Israeli leaders to avoid criticizing Washington’s diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that the United States remains Israel’s most important ally and warned that continued public opposition could strain relations.
In a separate interview, Vance questioned calls for a military-first approach, arguing that lasting regional security cannot be achieved solely through force. President Trump also appealed to all parties to fully respect the ceasefire, including commitments involving Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that Tehran would respond firmly if any party violated the agreement, underscoring the fragile nature of the newly established truce.
