Iran has suspended indirect negotiations with the United States, protesting Israel’s escalating military offensive in Lebanon. Tehran insists the April 8 ceasefire with Washington must include all regional fronts, warning that continued Israeli strikes constitute a breach of the truce .
The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Monday that Iran’s negotiating team will halt “dialogues and exchanges of texts through mediators” until Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon cease . While no formal announcement has been made by the Foreign Ministry, officials have framed the decision as a direct response to Israeli violations of the broader ceasefire arrangement .
‘Violation on one front is a violation of all fronts’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that the April 8 ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is “unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” He added that “the United States and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation” .
Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed this position, warning that continued U.S. naval blockades and Israeli strikes on Lebanon are “clear evidence of U.S. non-compliance with the ceasefire” .
Threat to block Strait of Hormuz
Tasnim reported that Iran and its allies have decided to prepare responses to Israeli attacks, including the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and activation of other fronts such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait as a means of pressuring Israel and its supporters .
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any closure would have immediate and severe impacts on international energy markets.
US-Iran military exchanges continue
The suspension of talks comes amid renewed military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The US military said it carried out “self-defense strikes” on Iranian radar and drone control sites over the weekend in response to the downing of an American MQ-1 drone .
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by launching missiles toward Kuwait, reportedly targeting an airbase used by US forces. Kuwait’s military stated its air defense systems intercepted the threats, with no casualties reported .
Conflicting signals from Washington
Despite reports of the suspension, President Donald Trump disputed claims that talks have broken down. “Talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump posted on Truth Social .
The conflicting messaging has deepened uncertainty over whether negotiations are advancing or unraveling. Key sticking points remain, including Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and the release of frozen Iranian assets .
‘Ceasefire in Lebanon is an essential condition’
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reiterated on Monday that ending the war remains Tehran’s priority. “We insist that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an essential condition for any deal aimed at ending the war,” he said .
Baqaei also clarified that no negotiations on the details of Iran’s nuclear program are currently underway, dismissing earlier reports suggesting progress on that front .
The diplomatic breakdown, combined with ongoing military exchanges and Israeli escalation in Lebanon, leaves the future of the ceasefire — and the broader peace process — increasingly uncertain .
