Iran halts US talks, threatens Strait of Hormuz blockade

Iranian media reported on June 1 that Iran has suspended message exchanges with the United States concerning a ceasefire agreement. This decision stems from Iran's protest against Israeli attacks on Lebanon and is framed as a response to alleged continuous violations of a ceasefire by the U.S.

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, the Iranian negotiation team has stopped communicating through mediators. As a retaliatory measure for the U.S.'s alleged ceasefire violations, Iran is reportedly considering a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The agency also reported that Iranian negotiators and allied groups are discussing activating other fronts, including the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait near Yemen, to pressure Israel and its supporters.

The Iranian stance, as reported by Tasnim, is that "there will be no dialogue until Israel's military operations in Lebanon are immediately halted and it completely withdraws from occupied territories." Following the Tasnim report, international oil prices jumped by more than 5%. However, the White House and the U.S. Central Command had not immediately responded to the report at the time.

Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump had stated he held a meeting at the White House Situation Room to discuss the acceptance of a deal with Iran. This proposed agreement reportedly included a plan for a 60-day cessation of hostilities, though the meeting concluded without a final decision from Trump.