The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters reported that U.S. Vice President JD Vance has canceled a planned trip to Switzerland for talks with Iranian negotiators aimed at implementing a 14-point agreement between Tehran and Washington to end their conflict.
A White House spokesperson said Vance withdrew from the visit scheduled for Friday, where complex negotiations were expected to begin. U.S. officials had earlier announced plans for a formal signing ceremony of the agreement in Geneva, but Iran’s foreign ministry questioned the necessity of such an event, noting that both countries’ presidents had already signed the deal on Wednesday.
Iran had indicated readiness to start technical discussions following the extension of a fragile ceasefire for at least 60 days. However, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran wanted to see concrete steps from the United States in implementing the interim agreement before proceeding with further talks. It also said there was no confirmation that Iran’s delegation would travel to Geneva.
The White House stated that Vance and the U.S. delegation had been prepared to depart once arrangements were finalized, but noted that logistical challenges have made the process unpredictable. Iranian authorities have not yet responded to the latest development.
Uncertainty over the talks has raised concerns about the durability of a potential truce in a regional conflict that has reportedly killed at least 7,000 people, disrupted global energy markets, and shaken international stability.
Meanwhile, Israel — which is not part of the agreement — has continued military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, casting further doubt on the deal’s sustainability.
In Washington, some Republican allies of U.S. President Donald Trump have criticized the agreement, arguing it offers significant concessions to Iran, including sanctions relief and access to frozen assets. Trump had previously stated he would only end the war under terms of Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” but the current agreement falls short of those demands.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, described the deal as a result of U.S. “desperation” and warned that upcoming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program would be difficult.
The agreement allows 60 days for further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear activities and includes provisions for uranium monitoring and international inspections. U.S. officials say they aim to secure a stronger deal than the 2015 nuclear agreement, although critics argue Iran’s position has strengthened following the conflict.
Fighting has also intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have displaced more than a million people. Despite calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, Israel has indicated it will not withdraw from parts of Lebanon and has expanded its operational zone.
Trump has recently voiced criticism of Israel’s actions, signaling a growing divide between the two allies as efforts continue to end the broader conflict.
