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02:52

We are now closing the live blog for the day. We'll be back tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Central European time to cover the latest events across the Middle East.

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02:51

US-Iran Talks Face Early Test In Switzerland

• By

  Alex Raufoglu

BURGENSTOCK, Switzerland -- What was supposed to be the first face-to-face technical engagement between the US and Iran after their surprise memorandum of understanding (MOU) has instead become an early test of whether the fragile diplomatic opening can survive the pressures of a wider regional war.

The talks, expected to take place at Switzerlands Burgenstock resort with Qatar and Pakistan helping facilitate, were abruptly postponed on June 19, just hours after senior officials had begun signaling to reporters that the meeting was expected to go ahead.

Police officers secure the access to the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex where US-Iran talks are expected.

Then the plans unraveled.

Vice President JD Vance, who had been expected to lead the US delegation, delayed his trip.

Switzerlands Foreign Ministry confirmed the talks were off -- at least for now.

And Iran declared there was no urgency for immediate engagement, arguing the initial memorandum had already been digitally signed and that the next phase would depend on the implementation of agreed terms.

The message from all sides was deliberate: This is a delay, not a collapse.

Read the full reporthere.

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21:49

19.6.2026

Iranian Artist Marjane Satrapi Honored At Paris Memorial

• By

  RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Iranian-born author Marjane Satrapi, who wrote the hit graphic novel Persepolis, was laid to rest on June 19 in Paris amid tributes honoring her work.

Her graphic novel was later adapted into a Cannes-winning animated film. Known for her wit, provocative and irreverent storytelling, and outspoken positions on human rights, Satrapi was buried at Pre Lachaise Cemetery amid commemorations from international artists.