Talks with mediators are underway to reorganize the first round of technical negotiations between Washington and Tehran, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday. Tehran had pulled out of the talks, originally expected in Switzerland this weekend, following renewed fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which threatened to derail diplomatic efforts.
Digital Signing and Next Steps
Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters the next round of talks was no longer as urgent because a memorandum of understanding with the US has already been digitally signed, according to a statement on the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel. Further negotiations can only begin once key components from the 14-point US-Iran agreement are met. These include ending the conflict in Lebanon, lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports, allowing vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz without charges, terminating Iran’s sanctions, and unfreezing its assets.
IAEA Inspections Denied
The Foreign Ministry denied reports that Iran had invited the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to inspect all its nuclear facilities. The ministry said the IAEA will not be invited to nuclear sites attacked by the US and Israel but can continue monitoring other sites, like Bushehr in southern Iran.
Pakistan’s Role in Mediation
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and highlighted ceasefire violations by Israel in Lebanon, expressing serious concern. Dar congratulated Iran on signing the historic “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” with the United States and conveyed best wishes for the next phase of negotiations. FM Araghchi expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s constructive mediation and facilitation in repatriating 30 Iranian nationals, including 8 fishermen rescued by the UK and 22 crew members interdicted by the US. Both sides agreed on continued engagement.
Trump’s Stance and Ceasefire Developments
President Donald Trump lashed out amid intensified fighting in Lebanon and stalled nuclear talks. “We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did,” Trump wrote on social media. “They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!” Trump told NBC News he asked Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, saying, “You just gotta calm down sometimes and use your head.”
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 47 people and wounded 97 others in Lebanon on Friday, including seven women and two children. The figures came amid a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, though neither side immediately confirmed the truce. Heavy exchanges killed 47 in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Interim Agreement and Nuclear Talks
The interim agreement to end the Iran war reopened the Strait of Hormuz and would relaunch talks on Iran’s nuclear program. However, the accord faces threats from Lebanon, delaying talks planned for Switzerland. The agreement calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and respect for its sovereignty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep forces in southern Lebanon until the threat is eliminated. Hezbollah refused to halt attacks unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon, a condition Iran supports.
Iranian officials did not travel to Switzerland, insisting the fighting in Lebanon must stop before talks. US Vice President JD Vance also postponed his trip. Future talks aim for a permanent end to the conflict. Baghaei said consultations through mediators were ongoing for the next phase to draft a final agreement. Because the initial deal was signed digitally, the Switzerland talks were not urgent, and a meeting in the coming days is planned.
The discussions were expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran maintains it is peaceful, though it has highly enriched uranium that could be used for multiple atomic bombs, according to the IAEA. The interim deal gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, extendable, and outlines incentives including lifting all international sanctions and a $300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction. Already, the US lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and is allowing oil sales. The deal also calls for Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
