Talks between U.S., Iran called off because of fighting in Lebanon, officials say
Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off on Friday (June 19, 2026) after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials
Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off on Friday (June 19, 2026) after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to end the war in Iran. Israel and the militant group later agreed to a ceasefire, three officials said. Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. A Hezbollah official said mediators attempted to implement a new ceasefire and that an agreement could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter. Also Read | Israeli Minister says ‘all of Lebanon must burn’ after four soldiers killed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the military has not received different instructions from the government. He said Israeli forces were operating in a “forward defence zone” and will continue doing so. Iranian and U.S. officials cancel travel to Switzerland Iranian officials did not travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also postponed his trip. Israel's military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed, and Israel said four soldiers died. Also Read | JD Vance slams Israeli officials who criticised U.S.-Iran deal, deepening rift between allies The conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group is the most precarious part of the Iran deal. Neither Israel nor the militant group signed the agreement — but it is supposed to end their fighting, and Iran has signalled its willingness to risk renewed war in the region for the sake of its interests in Lebanon and its most important regional ally. The interim deal has halted hostilities in Iran and the Gulf and reopened the Strait of Hormuz, after Iranian attacks and threats all but stopped the flow of oil and natural gas through the waterway, creating a global energy crisis. But future talks are supposed to bring about a permanent end to the conflict, including addressing how to restrict Iran's nuclear program — the core issue over which Israel and the U.S. went to war on February 28. The fighting in Lebanon could unravel the deal The Israeli military said four soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in an attack on a tank in a village near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh.
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