Iran refuses talks With US until Lebanon ceasefire
Tehran: Escalating tensions in the Middle East have taken a new turn as Iran has made it clear that it will not participate in peace talks with the United States until a ceasefire is established in Lebanon. The decision has been officially conveyed to Pakistan, which was expected to host diplomatic negotiations in its capital, Islamabad.
The development comes amid intensified military action by Israel in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut, where continued airstrikes have significantly worsened the situation. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts reportedly mediated by Pakistan to facilitate a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, the ground reality has derailed hopes of immediate dialogue.
Iran has strongly denied reports suggesting that its delegation had already reached Islamabad to begin negotiations with the United States. These claims, which surfaced in international media, were dismissed by Iranian authorities as inaccurate. Officials clarified that no talks would be initiated unless there is a complete halt to hostilities in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that any meaningful negotiation aimed at ending tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel would depend entirely on Washington’s commitment to ceasefire obligations across all fronts. Tehran has also insisted that any ceasefire agreement must include regions where Hezbollah, its allied group, is active.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon, especially the strikes on Beirut that reportedly caused significant casualties, has further complicated diplomatic prospects. The violence has raised doubts over the feasibility of planned discussions that were expected to begin soon in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated openness to direct talks with Lebanon, although there has been no official response from the Lebanese government. Israel has maintained that its operations targeting Hezbollah will continue, signaling no immediate de-escalation.
Reports suggest that separate Israel-Lebanon discussions could take place in Washington in the coming days. However, uncertainty continues to loom over broader peace efforts involving Iran and the United States.
Amid this volatile situation, Iran has warned of “strong responses” if attacks on its allies persist. Officials have emphasized that Tehran is prepared for all possible scenarios, underlining that any ceasefire agreement must align with its strategic interests.
With diplomatic channels strained and violence ongoing, the prospects for peace in the region remain fragile, hinging largely on whether a ceasefire in Lebanon can be achieved in the near future.
