Iran says ‘no dialogue’ until Israeli operations in Lebanon cease, Trump says US-Iran talks continue

Tensions in the Middle East remain high as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue alongside escalating fighting in Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that talks between Washington and Tehran are still “continuing at a rapid pace,” even as Iran signaled it had paused indirect communications through mediators. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Tehran halted message exchanges in protest over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and warned that no dialogue would resume unless those operations stop.

The report also indicated that Iran and its allies were considering further escalation measures, including threats related to the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic maritime routes, amid rising regional tensions.

At the same time, Israel has expanded its military operations in Lebanon, with Israeli leaders ordering strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and claiming actions against Hezbollah violations of a ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later insisted that military operations would continue despite reports of diplomatic understandings involving a possible halt in hostilities.

Lebanon, meanwhile, confirmed that Hezbollah had agreed in principle to a US-backed proposal for a mutual cessation of attacks, although Israel has not publicly committed to the same terms.

The situation remains fluid, with competing statements from Washington, Tehran, and regional actors highlighting deep disagreements even as mediation efforts continue.

Credit : CGTN