Iran has suspended indirect negotiations and the exchange of proposals with the United States in protest against ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, according to reports carried by Iranian media.
The report said the Iranian negotiating team halted diplomatic contacts through mediators, linking any resumption of talks to an immediate end to military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
According to the same reports, Iran and allied regional groups have discussed plans that could include the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and increased pressure on maritime routes connected to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, moves described as intended to exert pressure on Israel and its supporters.
Iranian negotiators reportedly stated that the future of diplomatic engagement would depend on meeting what they described as the demands of Iran and allied groups, including a halt to military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reportedly suggested that the chances of the current ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States collapsing have increased if military operations in Lebanon continue.
The developments come amid escalating tensions on the Lebanese front. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered military operations targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs, while the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for several towns and villages in southern Lebanon ahead of planned strikes.
Israeli officials have argued that the operations are a response to what they describe as repeated violations of ceasefire arrangements by Hezbollah, a claim rejected by the group and its allies.
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