Iran has signalled it may suspend peace negotiations with the United States in protest against Israel's military offensive in Lebanon, jeopardising the fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the ceasefire between Iran and the US applies to all fronts, including Lebanon, and that any violation on one front constitutes a violation on all fronts. He held the US and Israel responsible for the consequences.
A news agency aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that Tehran is suspending its participation in talks aimed at ending the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump responded by saying he was not opposed to a halt in negotiations, suggesting that 'going silent would be very good' and could last for a long time. He added that the US would maintain its blockade on Iranian ports but would not immediately escalate militarily.
Trump claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, stating on Truth Social that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed there would be no troops going to Beirut, and that Hezbollah agreed to stop all shooting. However, Netanyahu contradicted this, saying that if Hezbollah does not cease attacks, Israel would strike terror targets in Beirut, and that the IDF would continue operations in southern Lebanon.
The apparent collapse of talks follows US strikes on Iranian radar and drone sites at the weekend, and Iran's claim that it targeted a military base in Kuwait involved in the US operation. Iran's military central command warned residents of northern Israel to leave if Israel attacks Beirut or its southern suburbs. Additionally, Iran's Tasnim news agency said Tehran would ask the Houthis in Yemen to mount a second shipping blockade in the Bab al-Mandab strait, contributing to rising oil prices near $100 a barrel.
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused the US of non-compliance with the ceasefire, citing the blockade of Iranian ports and Israeli actions in Lebanon. The on-off diplomacy had appeared close to a deal on Friday, but Trump pulled back, demanding revisions. European concern is growing that the ceasefire may be on the verge of collapse.
