Iran Halts US Talks After Israeli Strikes on Lebanon
Iran suspends talks with the US after Israeli strikes on Lebanon, as Tehran warns over Hormuz and resistance forces amid rising regional tensions.
Iran has suspended its negotiating track with the United States after Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Tasnim reported.
According to the agency, Tehran halted the exchange of messages with Washington in protest against what it described as Zionist crimes. Tasnim said one of Iran’s key conditions for any understanding with the United States had been that Israel carry out no new attacks on Lebanon. Tehran also demanded an end to strikes not only on Lebanese territory but also in the Gaza Strip.
The dialogue will not resume until the demands of Iran and the resistance forces are taken into account, the agency reported. Tasnim also claimed that Tehran is ready to impose full restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while its allies could move to action on other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
On May 31, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the country’s military to expand its operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army intends to establish control in the area of the Litani River and demilitarize the zone.
A Lebanese source told RIA Novosti that Israeli fighter jets had struck 41 settlements in southern and eastern Lebanon over the past 24 hours. The total death toll from strikes on the country since early March has exceeded 3,400.
Israel’s actions drew condemnation from Western countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom. France requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. According to media reports, the meeting could take place on Monday, June 1.