Iran postponed US talks over Israeli ceasefire violations: Pakistani sources

Iran postponed the technical‑level talks with the United States, which were slated for Friday in Switzerland, in protest against “continued” Israeli ceasefire violations, mainly in southern Lebanon, Pakistani government sources told Anadolu. The sources said that Tehran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were “all set” to leave for Switzerland but pulled out at the last minute following “directives” from the “top Iranian leadership.”

Islamabad Memorandum

The signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had set the stage for direct talks in Switzerland. US Vice President JD Vance cancelled his trip after Islamabad conveyed Tehran’s decision to Washington. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the talks were cancelled. The memorandum gives officials 60 days to reach a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions, and calls for an immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Casualties and context

Over 3,300 people, including civilians and soldiers, have been killed in Iran, while the US has confirmed the death of 14 personnel. Israel has waged attacks on Lebanon, killing nearly 3,800 since the war began. After securing a ceasefire on April 8, Pakistan hosted the highest‑level direct talks between the two nations on April 12‑13 since they severed diplomatic ties in 1979.