JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military has struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah has reported intense fighting. The hostilities are threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war. Lebanese media reported at least 18 people killed in the strikes, and Israel said four soldiers died. The conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah is the most precarious part of the Iran deal. A regional official said Iranian officials didn’t travel as planned to Switzerland for talks with the United States, in part over the fighting. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks. A new Iranian authority charged with overseeing the strait issued guidance Friday calling on ships to register with it.
Vance’s push to get Iran talks started hits an early bump as weekend negotiations are put on hold
ZURICH (AP) — The U.S. push to start high-stakes talks with Iran has hit a snag just days just after the two countries agreed to reopen negotiations about Iran’s nuclear program and get oil traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President JD Vance was set to fly to Switzerland for talks with his Iranian counterparts, but the trip was abruptly scratched. Iran reportedly delayed sending its delegation due to Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. Iran’s supreme leader has endorsed direct negotiations, signaling a potential start to talks. The White House in a statement noted “the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable.”
