Iran cancels Swiss talks with US after Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Iran canceled scheduled diplomatic talks with the United States in Burgenstock, Switzerland, following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
The abrupt cancellation blindsided the American delegation, with some White House staff and press members having already arrived at the Swiss resort. The diplomatic fallout was confirmed by CNN and the Financial Times, citing diplomatic sources.
Tehran reportedly demanded Washington guarantee a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. The demand aligns with a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran on June 17, which excluded Israel but mandated a regional ceasefire.
Maritime escalation
Alongside the diplomatic freeze, Iranian forces fired warning shots near vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities subsequently notified crews that the strategic shipping lane would remain closed until Israel withdrew its forces from southern Lebanon.
Middle East mediators are currently engaging in intensive backchannel diplomacy to salvage the framework. However, Israeli authorities stated that despite pressure from both Washington and Tehran, troops will remain to maintain a southern Lebanese security zone.
Cross-border clashes
The diplomatic collapse followed a violent escalation when Hezbollah militants killed four Israeli soldiers near Nabatiyeh. Israel retaliated with airstrikes across Lebanese towns, leaving at least 18 people dead, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Late in the day, local friction eased slightly as Israel and Hezbollah reached a tentative ceasefire mediated by third parties, according to Reuters. The broader US-Iran diplomatic track, however, remains stalled.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
