United States Vice President JD Vance has postponed his planned trip to Switzerland for a new round of peace talks with Iran, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end hostilities. The White House cited Israeli overnight bombings in southern Lebanon that killed at least three people as the reason for the delay.
Vance had defended the agreement between Washington and Tehran, which initiates a 60-day negotiating period toward a final deal, amid criticism from US officials and Israel. However, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian negotiators would not travel until they see clear implementation of the interim terms, which includes a Lebanon ceasefire.
The MoU, signed by both presidents, is portrayed as a step toward ending months of conflict, but critics question its terms and Tehran's commitment.
Key Developments
Lebanon
- Israeli attacks killed at least three in southern Lebanon a day after the US-Iran interim agreement called for an end to military operations on all fronts. Hezbollah claimed to have repelled a four-day Israeli offensive, and Israel faces pressure to comply with the terms.
Iran
- Naval blockade lifted: The US military ended its naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of the deal. CENTCOM said enforcement has ceased but US vessels remain to monitor compliance.
- Iranian official claims victory: Mohsen Rezaei, adviser to Iran's supreme leader, hailed Iran's "victory" in the war, saying it "shattered" enemies' dominance. He mourned senior leaders killed and called for "vengeance."
- Ghalibaf warns against violations: Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of a "crushing response" to any US breach of the MoU.
United States
- Schumer attacks Trump: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the US is "worse off because of Trump's incompetence" and rejected claims Democrats would fund Iran. Critics allege the deal includes $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction, but Trump and officials deny any US funds will be provided.
- Administration defends deal: Trump officials reject criticism from Republican hawks, with Vance stressing that "not a cent of American money is going to Iran." The administration says the deal links sanctions relief to nuclear progress.
- US warns Israel: Vance delivered strong messages to Israel to comply with the Lebanon terms, after pushback from pro-Israel lawmakers.
Israel
- US-Israel tension: Political analyst Harlan Ullman noted a "great split" between Trump and Netanyahu over the deal. Netanyahu is reportedly furious and sees it as a threat to his political future before October elections. Ullman said Trump's stance could boost opposition candidates.
Negotiations are expected to begin once both sides confirm participation, with Vance remaining engaged in ongoing diplomacy.