US-Iran peace talks delayed, Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire announced
Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Switzerland for peace talks with Iran was postponed Friday, with officials citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
WASHINGTON —
The 60-day clock to reach a final U.S.-Iran peace deal hit another setback Friday when Vice President JD Vance postponed his trip to Switzerland for formal talks.
Both Vance and Iranian officials delayed the meeting, insisting that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon stop before talks could proceed.
Just hours later, officials confirmed that Israel and the Iran-backed militant group had agreed to renew a ceasefire.
The new U.S.-Iran peace agreement demands an immediate end to military operations on "all fronts," including the conflict happening in Lebanon. Iranian officials repeatedly warned that a deal with the U.S. is contingent on the war ending and Israeli forces leaving Lebanon.
The situation remains delicate as an Israeli spokesperson said military forces would remain in southern Lebanon, despite the renewed ceasefire.
The White House did not respond to a question on whether the renewed ceasefire would allow negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to resume.
Separately, the White House confirmed that the U.S.-Iran agreement would be transmitted to Congress. A senior official said the deal acts as a framework for negotiation rather than a final agreement, allowing it to fall under the Case Act. Under federal law, the Case Act only requires the president to disclose international agreements to Congress but does not mandate congressional approval.
Meanwhile, a new AP-NORC poll has found a around two-thirds of Americans are unhappy with the President's handling of Iran.
Sentiment over President Trump's handling of Iran is split along party lines. While most Republicans approved the President's approach, a majority of Democrats and Independents disapprove, according to the poll.
The poll also found that President Trump's overall approval rating remains steady at around 37%.
