Iranian negotiators have halted their exchange of messages with American counterparts, state agency Tasnim reported. The official reason: the ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which Tehran considers a violation of the ceasefire terms.
According to the agency, compliance with the ceasefire in Lebanon was among the mandatory conditions of the agreement reached with Washington. Yet hostilities, in Iran’s assessment, are continuing. As retaliatory measures, Tehran has threatened to “completely block” shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and to “activate other fronts,” including in the area of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which controls access to the Red Sea.
Iran and the United States concluded a ceasefire in early April. Several weeks later, the ceasefire regime was extended to Israel and Lebanon. Despite this, the confrontation never truly ceased. In late May, the US carried out new “defensive strikes” on Iranian territory; Tehran responded by claiming it had attacked an American air base.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, ordered the expansion of the ground operation in Lebanon and the resumption of strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, including Dahiyeh, the traditional stronghold of Hezbollah. The decision came after the Lebanese group intensified rocket fire on northern Israel. Iran’s foreign minister described Israel’s actions as a direct violation of the ceasefire and warned of consequences.
Iran and the United States have still been unable to agree on the terms of a final settlement to the conflict. Experts believe that the escalation in Lebanon will significantly complicate any resumption of diplomatic dialogue. The suspension of talks is yet another reminder that the agreements reached remain extremely fragile.
