Ceasefire between Iran and U.S. in jeopardy over Israel strikes in Lebanon
Iranian state television has warned that the ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and the United States in early April could collapse if Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon continue.
The broadcaster did not provide further details, but the warning comes amid rising regional tensions and renewed fighting involving Israel and Iran-aligned forces in Lebanon.
Earlier, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had suspended indirect negotiations with the United States following Israel’s order for expanded military action in southern Lebanon. The move has further complicated diplomatic efforts aimed at ending months of conflict.
No official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities, while U.S. President Donald Trump told NBC that he had not been informed of any formal suspension of talks. He added that excessive public statements were unhelpful and suggested that quiet diplomacy would be more effective.
According to Tasnim, Iran’s negotiating team has also stopped exchanging messages with Washington through mediators, citing ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where clashes with Hezbollah have intensified.
The developments come after reports of Iranian strikes on a U.S. air base in response to American attacks on Iranian military positions, further straining an already fragile ceasefire.
Oil prices surged by more than $6 per barrel following the report, reflecting market fears of wider instability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered strikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut, triggering fresh displacement in a conflict that has already forced over one million people to flee their homes.
His office accused Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire agreement reached in late April.
Trump has continued to express optimism about a potential agreement with Iran, but Iranian officials have criticised what they describe as inconsistent U.S. negotiating positions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also warned that violations in Lebanon could undermine ceasefires across the region, stating that all parties would bear responsibility for any escalation.
Iranian military officials have also issued warnings in response to Israeli evacuation orders in Beirut, urging residents in northern Israel to evacuate in anticipation of possible retaliation.
The broader conflict, which intensified in late February, has reportedly killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, while also disrupting global energy supplies by affecting key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran-aligned groups across the region, including factions in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon, have signalled the possibility of expanding attacks, including threats to key maritime routes such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Tasnim reported that no negotiations will resume unless Iran’s conditions regarding Lebanon are addressed.
Meanwhile, sources close to Iranian decision-making suggest Tehran is considering a limited interim deal with Washington to ease domestic economic pressure while avoiding major concessions on its nuclear programme.
Pakistan has also expressed concern about the fragility of the ceasefire during diplomatic talks with Iranian officials.
The U.S. military confirmed it conducted strikes over the weekend on Iranian air defences and drone systems, citing threats to international shipping.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it responded by targeting a U.S.-used air base, though it did not specify the location.
Kuwait later reported activating air defence systems amid missile and drone threats, while U.S. forces said they intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at American positions, with no casualties reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly facing domestic pressure to stabilise energy markets and reduce fuel prices ahead of upcoming elections, while also balancing demands from political allies who oppose concessions to Iran.
Washington maintains that its primary objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, insisting its programme is peaceful.
Both sides remain divided over sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets, leaving broader negotiations unresolved as tensions continue to escalate.
Source: Reuters
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