Vice President JD Vance did not travel to Switzerland late Thursday for planned technical talks with Iran, the White House said.
A White House spokesperson confirmed the change in plans to reporters on Thursday, June 18, the same time Vance was set to depart.
White House confirms Vance will not depart for Switzerland
The decision comes after Vance had indicated earlier in the day that he intended to fly to Switzerland to help start the negotiations this weekend.
“As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
“But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight. We will let you know as soon as we have a concrete update concerning next steps.”
The spokesperson added that the administration still expects to begin the talks soon. “We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible.”
Talks tied to new U.S.-Iran memorandum
The talks stem from a memorandum of understanding signed this week between the United States and Iran.
Under that agreement, the two sides plan to hold 60 days of technical discussions focused on Iran’s nuclear program.
Vance had spoken about the trip during a press conference earlier Thursday. He said the goal was to get the negotiations underway this weekend in Switzerland, but he noted that timing could shift.
“It just depends on exactly when the Iranians can get there,” Vance said. “We’re trying to figure that out as we speak, but again, I suspect it will happen this weekend.”
He also described Iran as “not an easy country … to get out of,” noting the challenges of coordinating the Iranian delegation’s travel.
The postponement is linked to the complicated nature of arranging high-level diplomatic meetings on short notice.
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Officials have pointed to logistical obstacles, including travel arrangements for both sides and the involvement of regional mediators.
This development follows the recent U.S.-Iran agreement, which aims to end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, and tackle longstanding issues around Iran’s nuclear activities.
While a formal signing ceremony had been expected in Switzerland, sources indicated an initial digital or remote signing took place. President Trump individually signed the deal while attending the G-7 Summit in France.
Vance was set to lead the American side in follow-up negotiations. Those discussions were meant to work out longer-term details, such as the role of international inspectors and limits on uranium enrichment.
The White House has stated that the United States remains ready to move forward once concrete arrangements are in place. No new date has been announced for the start of the technical talks.
The new development shows the difficulties often associated with nuclear diplomacy with Iran.
Previous efforts, including the 2015 nuclear deal, have also been plagued by repeated delays and arguments over logistics and verification.
It seems both Tehran and Washington are keen to respect the 60-day window set out in the memorandum.
Progress on the nuclear file could have a major impact on regional stability, oil markets, and global anti-proliferation efforts.
Administration officials have not detailed what specific topics will dominate the technical phase.
But the discussions are expected to include monitoring of Iran’s nuclear sites, possible sanctions relief if it complies, and steps to avoid a military escalation.
Switzerland remains a preferred venue for talks
The cancellation of Vance’s trip comes amid a busy period for the vice president and the major administration.
Travel to Switzerland had been viewed as a neutral venue choice, common in past Iran-related talks.
The country has hosted similar meetings before, given its longstanding role in international diplomacy.
