By Sabiu Abdullahi
Iran has suspended indirect negotiations with the United States amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, citing Israel’s military operations in Lebanon as the reason for the move.
According to a report published on Monday by Iran’s state-aligned Tasnim news agency, Tehran halted the exchange of messages with Washington after Israeli forces expanded their military campaign in southern Lebanon despite an earlier ceasefire arrangement.
Iran had reportedly agreed to Pakistan-mediated discussions with the United States on the condition that a regional ceasefire would be maintained. However, recent developments in Lebanon, including Israel’s capture of the historic Beaufort Castle over the weekend, have heightened tensions across the region.
The report stated that Iranian authorities were angered by what they described as continued Israeli incursions and an expanding presence in Lebanese territory.
“Tehran is stopping the negotiations and exchange of messages through a mediator,” Tasnim reported, citing top-tier intelligence sources.
Iran has also demanded an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Lebanon and Gaza before any future dialogue with Washington can resume.
In addition to suspending talks, Tehran and allied groups across the region, including the Houthis in Yemen and Iraqi paramilitary factions, have indicated they are prepared to “activate other fronts.”
The warning includes threats to disrupt maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that handles a significant share of the world’s oil exports.
The growing conflict has attracted international concern. France has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address Israel’s expanding military operations in Lebanon.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the situation as “unacceptable,” stating that “nothing can justify the prolongation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its increasingly deep occupation of Lebanese territory.”
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also expressed concern over the conflict. She said Israel’s military actions were “deeply damaging” and warned that continued hostilities could undermine stability across the Middle East.
The suspension of talks comes after a fragile ceasefire reached between Tehran and Washington in April. The truce followed a period of direct confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Both sides had reportedly been discussing an extension of the ceasefire and possible progress on Iran’s nuclear programme before the latest escalation.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it conducted what it described as “measured and deliberate strikes” against Iranian assets over the weekend.
CENTCOM said the attacks were in response to “aggressive Iranian actions,” including the reported downing of an American MQ-1 Predator drone.
Iran, however, maintained that the drone had entered its airspace, prompting retaliatory action.
Analysts say the combination of intensified fighting in Lebanon, the collapse of diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington, and threats against major maritime corridors has increased fears of a broader regional crisis with potential consequences for global trade and energy supplies.
