Trump threatens Iran as officials meet in Switzerland for peace talks
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with consequences if its proxies in Lebanon do not cease hostilities.
- Fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon has continued despite a US-Iran interim deal for a regional ceasefire.
- US and Iranian officials are meeting in Switzerland for talks to solidify the interim deal into a lasting peace agreement.
US President Donald Trump is once again threatening Iran, this time warning that Tehran must control its proxies in Lebanon or face repercussions. This comes as fighting between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon persists, despite an interim deal between the US and Iran aimed at a regional ceasefire.
Israel and Hezbollah reportedly agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, but clashes have continued. Four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah attack on Friday, and Lebanese state media reported at least 20 people died in Israeli strikes on Saturday. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military has "no restriction" to act against threats in Lebanon and will not withdraw from its self-declared "security zone."
I'll blow the shit out of them
Trump also told Fox News that the US could seize control of the Strait of Hormuz and "blow the shit out of" Iran if it does not keep the shipping channel open. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had announced the channel's closure in protest of Israel's actions in Lebanon, though the US maintains it is open.
These developments set the stage for US and Iranian officials to meet in Switzerland for the first round of talks aimed at transforming the interim deal into a lasting regional peace. US Vice-President JD Vance is attending the talks in Lucerne, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Iran's delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is present, though Iranian state media reported they refused a pre-meeting photo opportunity with Vance and other officials. The initial discussion topic was the implementation of the interim deal's first part: ending hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and respecting territorial integrity. Israeli media suggests the White House will soon demand Benjamin Netanyahu withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
there was and is no restriction on IDF soldiers in Lebanon to act to eliminate threats
Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.