Iran Halts US Message Exchanges Amid Diplomatic Efforts Over Lebanon Attacks

Iran’s official news agency reports that Tehran’s negotiating team has halted messages with the US through mediators due to ongoing attacks in Lebanon. This development comes as diplomatic efforts persist to end the three-month-old conflict.

The Iranian government and its allies, including those in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq, have set an agenda to completely block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts, such as the Bab El Mandeb Strait, with the aim of “punishing” Israel and its supporters. The Bab El Mandeb Strait is a crucial shipping chokepoint that controls sea traffic towards the Suez Canal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on X that any violation of one front constitutes a breach of the ceasefire across all fronts, and that both the US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of such violations. The conflict launched by the US and Israel on February 28 has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has caused global economic pain due to increased energy prices as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Tasnim emphasized that the immediate cessation of the Zionist regime’s aggressive operations in Gaza and Lebanon is necessary, along with a complete withdrawal from occupied areas in Lebanon. No talks will be held until these demands are met by Iranian officials and negotiators.