"As the vice president noted during his press conference, plans for future technical talks have not yet been finalized, and the U.S. delegation was prepared to depart at the earliest opportunity. However, the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable," the statement said.
The White House said Vance did not travel to Switzerland on Thursday evening, but the United States remains hopeful that technical negotiations within the 60-day process will begin as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen, a television network affiliated with the Lebanese group Hezbollah, reported that the Iranian delegation had suspended its trip to Switzerland because Israel continues to carry out strikes in southern Lebanon, according to Iran Insight. The outlet said the delegation had been preparing for the visit, but developments in Lebanon remain a key issue that will determine whether the talks proceed or are paused.
On June 18, Vance announced plans to travel to Switzerland, while acknowledging that the timing remained uncertain. He said technical negotiations aimed at finalizing a U.S.-Iran peace agreement were expected to begin this weekend.
U.S.-Iran peace talks
Early on June 18, it emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. The two leaders signed the document separately, with Trump signing it while in France.
CNN published the text of the 14-point memorandum. Under the document, the United States would allow Iran to export oil and lift sanctions, while Tehran would gain access to a $300 billion development fund in exchange for fulfilling commitments related to its nuclear program. According to The Guardian, Iran agreed to dilute its enriched uranium without removing it from the country.
Under the memorandum, Iran also committed to ensuring stable navigation between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman within 30 days of signing.
The parties are expected to enter a 60-day negotiation period that could culminate in the signing of a final peace agreement.
On June 18, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had been fully lifted.