U.S.-Iran technical talks in Lucerne delayed as 60-day deadline for final deal nears

The second phase of U.S.-Iran peace talks, including technical discussions planned for Lucerne, Switzerland, has been delayed after a memorandum was signed remotely and the U.S. vice president canceled his trip. Iranian leaders voiced deep skepticism about U.S. intentions and warned of a predetermined retaliation mechanism in case of bad faith or violations, shifting attention toward sensitive issues including Iran’s nuclear program. With only a 60-day window to finalize an agreement, the delay leaves less time for negotiations. The setback underscores the fragility of the process, but it brings no new facts of military escalation, tougher sanctions, or attacks on energy facilities that would directly jolt traditional markets.