U.S.-Iran talks stalled after Israel-Hezbollah fighting
Vice President JD Vance and negotiators in Iran have delayed peace talks and a planned formal signing of a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran due to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Overnight, at least 18 people were killed in strikes in Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Four Israeli soldiers were also killed by Hezbollah militants, the Israeli military said.
The fighting has brought an agreement to end hostilites between the United States and Iran to an abrupt halt. Vance and negotiators in Iran were supposed to travel to Switzerland on Friday to sign a formal memorandum of understanding.
“The plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity,” a spokesperson for the vice president said. “But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable.”
The memorandum of understanding gives negotiators 60 days to agree on a status for Iran’s nuclear program and set up a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
The memorandum does not include mentions of Iran’s support for terrorist proxies, including Hezbollah. The first article in the MOU calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon, specifically between Israel and Hezbollah.
Vance confirmed that the agreement between the two nations began on Thursday. Israel was not formally included in negotiations between the two nations.
“My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote.
It is unclear when negotiators from the U.S. and Iran will pick back up with negotiations.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: IDOR announces remote retailer amnesty dates
Federal judge blocks Trump’s 100K visa fee
U.S. House report: Minnesota officials failed to stop fraud
Senator says disability service workers’ raise falls short
Illinois Quick Hits: Cyber attack shuts down Evanston High School
DC schools use sex ed curriculum that avoids using ‘male,’ ‘female,’ promotes abortion
U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Biden administration energy ruling
Trump calls on Iran, Israel to ‘stop shooting,’ return to talks
Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough
Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean
Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official
Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids
U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday
Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts
