Fighting in Lebanon derails talks between the US and Iran over nuclear weapons

The US and Iran put off nuclear deal negotiations in June 2026 after Israel increased military strikes in southern Lebanon. Normally, countries keep nuclear talks separate from regional fighting—but this time they couldn't. Iran has used regional crises as bargaining chips before. Israel sees talking to Iran as recognizing a country it views as a threat to its survival. A secret line through Switzerland is now the only way Washington and Tehran can communicate.