AP: Iran delayed US talks in Switzerland on June 19 over strikes on Lebanon

Iran postponed planned nuclear-related talks with the United States in Switzerland after Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants, sources familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. 

The negotiations had originally been scheduled for June 19 but were delayed. Officials now say discussions could take place on Juen 20, although the timing remains uncertain.

According to three regional officials and another person familiar with the mediation effort, Iranian officials did not travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that Israeli military action in Lebanon must cease before talks could proceed. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Tehran communicated its position to U.S. officials during ongoing diplomatic exchanges.

Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance canceled his planned travel to Switzerland for the talks on June 18, citing escalating tensions linked to the situation in Lebanon.

Despite the delay, Axios later reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were both en route to Switzerland as Israel and Hezbollah agreed on June 19 to renew a ceasefire. Diplomats are now assessing whether the agreement could help revive the stalled negotiations.

By Sabina Mammadli