The fragile US-Iran détente faced its first major test on Saturday as Washington and Tehran postponed planned technical talks in Switzerland, citing unresolved logistical issues and ongoing regional violence. US Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Bürgenstock, the Swiss resort hosting the negotiations, after the White House cited “unresolved logistical arrangements” that stalled preparations for implementing the Islamabad Memorandum signed electronically by Presidents Donald Trump and Ebrahim Pezeshkian . The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the cancellation of Friday’s talks, which were intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch 60 days of negotiations on nuclear and sanctions issues .

US envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Switzerland, where Jared Kushner has already arrived, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been expected to join after initially signaling travel plans that were later thrown into doubt by renewed fighting in Lebanon . Pakistani sources reported that Tehran postponed the talks to protest continued Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon, with Araghchi withdrawing at the last minute following directives from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei . Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, a key mediator, arrived in Switzerland on Friday as the diplomatic process hung in the balance .

Despite the setback, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that Hormuz traffic will be gradually increased under the US deal, with no fees charged for 60 days and mine-clearing measures to follow . The Islamabad Memorandum, signed on Thursday, extends the ceasefire and aims to stabilize the strategic waterway, but its implementation now hinges on de-escalation in Lebanon. Brent crude futures rose above $80 per barrel as investors reassessed geopolitical risks amid the uncertainty .

Analysts at the Long War Journal note that Khamenei is warily accepting the deal while hardliners in Tehran push to rebuild Hezbollah’s capabilities, viewing sanctions relief as an opportunity to restore proxy networks . Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed Islamabad’s mediation as a “historic diplomatic achievement,” crediting the military for preventing the ceasefire from collapsing . With the talks delayed but not derailed, the coming days will determine whether the fragile opening can survive the pressures of a wider regional conflict.

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Iran says Hormuz traffic to be gradually increased under US deal Irans Supreme National Security Council announced that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be increased gradually under a memorandum of understanding with the US. No fees will be charged for 60 days, and mine‑clearing measures will follow. The deal, signed electronically by Presidents Trump and Pezeshkian, initiates 60 days of negotiations on nuclear and sanctions issues.