Syria rejects Trump's idea for war against Hezbollah

Around 22 June 2026, US Vice President JD Vance held direct talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland, which ran through the night. Vance said the talks set a 'good foundation' for a deal to end the war and that Iran agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back, with the US able to unfreeze Tehran's assets. A source cited by Fars News called the US claim on the return of IAEA inspectors 'false, baseless', and France 24 reported the two sides disagree on whether Iran will allow inspections. Iran cited 'major progress', and Araghchi and Ghalibaf refused a photo opportunity with Vance's delegation.

Key points included a Lebanon 'deconfliction cell' and a Hormuz 'communication line', or crisis hotline, and Vance said Israel, Hezbollah and Lebanon would take part in a coordination mechanism. The US waived oil sanctions, Pakistan played a role in the talks, and the Swiss said they expect an 'immediate resumption' of technical discussions. Trump had threatened new attacks over Hormuz, and a dispute over billions in frozen Iranian funds was seen as a risk to the deal. The Economist described a bipartisan backlash in the US.