Plans for a new round of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland collapsed at the last moment as violence escalated in Lebanon, raising fresh doubts about the durability of the recently announced ceasefire framework and broader regional peace efforts. The talks had been scheduled to begin Friday in the Swiss resort area of Obbürgen, only two days after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding that created a 60-day window for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and measures aimed at restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian negotiation delegation has delayed its departure for talks in Switzerland due to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, according to a report by Al Mayadeen network.

A formal signing ceremony and talks planned for Friday in Switzerland between Iran and the United States were called off, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in…