Iran may suspend US talks if Israel stays in Lebanon, says media

Iran could halt all negotiations with the United States if Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon and cease its military operations there, according to the Iranian news agency Tasnim. The agency, linked to the powerful Revolutionary Guard, cited its own sources stating that Iran would enter a phase of "harsh response" if Israeli "crimes" in Lebanon continue, leading to the suspension of all talks with Washington.

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Iran could suspend any negotiation with the United States if Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon and cease its military operations in the Arab country.

Tasnim indicated that Iran insists on the implementation of an agreement signed last Wednesday, which includes ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and guaranteeing Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel has reportedly ceased attacks on Lebanon since Saturday afternoon, following Iran's announcement of a new closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli bombings in the Arab country.

However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that his troops would not withdraw from the area Israel defines as a "security zone" in southern Lebanon, and the Israeli military faces no operational restrictions there. The Iranian delegation in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, emphasized that the talks focus on verifying Washington's compliance with the memorandum, particularly regarding the end of the war on all fronts.

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Our troops will not withdraw from the zone that Israel defines as a 'security zone' in southern Lebanon, and the Israeli army has no operational restrictions in the area.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, leading his country's delegation, expressed optimism about progress in ensuring a ceasefire in Lebanon. "Peace is never easy, it always requires work and a willingness to give and receive, but the President of the United States is committed not only to peace with Iran but to regional peace," Vance said. The delegations, including Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohamad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, began their discussions after separate meetings with the prime ministers of Qatar and Pakistan.

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Peace is never easy, it always requires work and a willingness to give and receive, but the President of the United States is committed not only to peace with Iran, but to regional peace.