Tehran puts US talks on hold and delivers ultimatum
Illustrative photo: Iran (Getty Images)
Iran has announced the suspension of negotiations with the United States due to the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, according to Tasnim News.
It was stated that the Iranian Armed Forces and all groups belonging to the Axis of Resistance (an informal alliance of Iran and Iran-backed political and military organizations across the Middle East) are "determined to respond to Zionist crimes and open new fronts."
According to Tasnim, in light of the "continued crimes of Israel" in Lebanon and given that Lebanon was one of the preconditions for a ceasefire — which has now been violated on all fronts — the Iranian negotiating team is "suspending dialogue and the exchange of messages through intermediaries."
Iranian officials and negotiators emphasized the need for an immediate halt to the "aggressive and barbaric operations of the Israeli regime's army" in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the complete withdrawal of troops from occupied Lebanese territories.
They stated that no further negotiations would take place until the position of Iran and the Axis of Resistance on this issue is secured.
In addition, the Axis of Resistance and Iran have reportedly placed a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the activation of other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on their agenda.
Earlier, media reports suggested that the United States and Iran had moved closer to a framework agreement that would include a 60-day ceasefire, the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the start of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
At the same time, Donald Trump increased pressure on Tehran, stating that he was prepared to resume strikes if US demands were not met. Among the key US conditions are the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s abandonment of efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
