US-Iran Swiss talks postponed as Israeli strikes on Lebanon overshadow diplomacy

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed in a written statement late on Friday that the Geneva technical talks between the US and Iranian delegations — which were expected to address the implementation calendar of the framework deal signed last week — have been postponed. The decision was made under Switzerland's status as neutral host. The new date for the talks is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told state television that the postponement 'reflects respect for current circumstances' and stressed that the Iranian delegation was 'fully prepared' to reschedule. Tehran also accused Tel Aviv of triggering regional instability with its strikes on Lebanon. Israel said its strikes were a response to a Hezbollah missile attack.

Diplomatic analysts assess that the postponement affects only the technical-negotiation schedule, not the framework deal itself. Brent crude traded flat on the news and is up about 1.2% on the week. Decisive in the coming days will be whether Switzerland proposes a new date for the talks and whether the Israel-Hezbollah front quiets down.