.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Article content
(Bloomberg) — The US and Iran have postponed the start of their negotiations over a permanent peace deal and restricting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
It’s unclear why the talks, meant to be held in Switzerland on Friday, have been delayed, though Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants clashed overnight in Lebanon. Iran has insisted on a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of an interim deal with the US that was signed this week.
Article content
Article content
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah forces and militants throughout the night in southern Lebanon. Its attacks killed 16 people, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.
Article content
Article content
Strains between the US and Israel over Lebanon are growing. Trump has sworn at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in calls, accusing him of almost scuppering the memorandum of understanding with Iran by conducting strikes in Lebanon. Israel insists it will keep troops in across its borders until it’s sure Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the US, is no longer a threat to its northern communities.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry announced on Friday morning the talks were “postponed,” without giving a reason. “Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks,” it said in a statement. “The relevant preparatory work” at the host resort of Burgenstock is continuing.
Article content
Late Thursday, the US said Vice President JD Vance, its lead representative, would not be departing for the face-to-face negotiations with Iran in Europe.
Article content
Similarly, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, set to head his country’s delegation, isn’t thought to have left for Switzerland.
Article content
Washington and Tehran were meant to begin talks on a so-called “final agreement” for the memorandum of understanding that US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed on Wednesday.
Article content
Article content
A White House spokesperson cited logistical challenges for the delay in the Swiss talks. The spokesperson said an American delegation is prepared to depart at the first available opportunity.
Article content
The MOU has led to the US lifting a naval blockade of Iranian ports and Iran saying it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz. They have agreed to extend their ceasefire during the new round of talks, which are meant to finish within 60 days, but can be extended.
Article content
The sides will try to agree on restricting Iran’s processing of uranium, possibly for a decade or more, and destroying or diluting its existing stocks of highly-enriched uranium.
Article content
The US and Israel started bombing Iran on Feb. 28, saying they needed to stop the country building an atomic weapon. Tehran’s long denied wanting to do that but has enriched uranium to far beyond the levels needed for nuclear power plants.
Article content
The war caused energy prices to soar and pushed up inflation globally. Thousands of people died across the Middle East, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, while US allies such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were targeted with thousands of Iranian drones and missiles.
English (US)