World News
Iran Says Any US-Iran Ceasefire Must Include End to Lebanon Attacks as Regional Tensions Rise
The fragile diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States have entered a critical phase after Iran made it clear that any future ceasefire agreement with Washington must include a complete halt to military attacks across the region, particularly in Lebanon.
The fragile diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States have entered a critical phase after Iran made it clear that any future ceasefire agreement with Washington must include a complete halt to military attacks across the region, particularly in Lebanon.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf conveyed the message to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, stressing that Tehran views an end to hostilities in Lebanon as a key condition for any broader agreement with the United States.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ghalibaf emphasized that peace cannot be achieved unless military operations stop on all fronts. He warned that continued Israeli military actions could have serious consequences for regional stability and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran Warns of Consequences if Attacks Continue
According to Ghalibaf, Tehran is prepared to halt diplomatic discussions if Israeli military operations continue in Lebanon. He also suggested that Iran could take a stronger stance against Israel if the conflict escalates further.
The statement highlights growing concerns that the ongoing violence in Lebanon could derail efforts to maintain the ceasefire established between Iran and the United States nearly two months ago following weeks of intense confrontation.
Trump Optimistic About Progress in Talks
Despite the tensions, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that negotiations with Tehran are moving in a positive direction.
Speaking to ABC News, Trump said he expects progress on an agreement that could help preserve the ceasefire and restore secure transit through a key maritime route in the region. He noted that discussions are continuing and that only a few unresolved issues remain before a broader understanding can be finalized.
Earlier, Trump also stated on Truth Social that talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran were advancing “at a rapid pace,” signaling optimism from Washington despite recent military exchanges between the two countries.
Lebanon Conflict Raises New Challenges
The diplomatic progress comes amid renewed military activity in Lebanon. Over the weekend, Israeli forces reportedly carried out their deepest ground operation inside Lebanese territory in more than two decades, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The situation intensified further when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered fresh strikes targeting Hezbollah-controlled areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The developments have increased pressure on diplomatic channels as regional powers attempt to prevent the conflict from expanding.
Trump Holds Talks With Netanyahu and Hezbollah Representatives
In an effort to reduce tensions, Trump revealed that he held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as representatives linked to Hezbollah.
According to the US President, the conversations helped prevent additional military deployments toward Beirut. Trump claimed that both sides had agreed to halt further attacks, creating temporary space for diplomatic engagement.
He stated that Israel would not launch new attacks and that Hezbollah had also agreed to stop firing, though the situation on the ground remains highly sensitive.
Tehran Suspends Communication Through Intermediaries
While Washington continues to pursue diplomacy, reports emerged that Tehran had paused message exchanges with the United States through diplomatic intermediaries following the latest military actions in Lebanon.
The move signals growing frustration within Iran over the ongoing conflict and reflects concerns that military escalation could undermine months of diplomatic efforts.
However, Trump downplayed suggestions that negotiations had collapsed. He told NBC News that the US administration had not received any official notification indicating that Iran intended to withdraw from talks.
The President reiterated that Washington remains committed to a diplomatic solution and is not seeking further military escalation.
Regional Stability Hangs in the Balance
The latest developments underscore the complex relationship between diplomacy and security in the Middle East. While both Washington and Tehran continue to signal interest in maintaining dialogue, the conflict in Lebanon has emerged as a major obstacle.
With Israel’s military operations continuing and Hezbollah remaining actively involved in regional tensions, the coming days could prove decisive for the future of the ceasefire process.
For now, Iran’s position is clear: any lasting agreement with the United States must include a comprehensive end to attacks in Lebanon and across the wider region. Whether ongoing negotiations can deliver such an outcome remains one of the most important questions facing Middle East diplomacy today.
