Iran Halts US Negotiations Amid Lebanon Escalation, Threatens Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Closure

Tehran has halted the exchange of messages with the United States via intermediaries, a move that follows the escalating attacks targeting Lebanon. According to informed sources, the decision to suspend dialogues stems from the continuation of what was described as "crimes of the Zionist entity" in Lebanon. The sources highlighted that the situation in Lebanon was a fundamental prerequisite for a ceasefire, which has now been violated on all fronts. Iranian officials and negotiators have emphasized the immediate necessity of ceasing aggressive and brutal operations in Gaza and Lebanon, along with a complete withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories. They clarified that no negotiations would proceed until Iran's and the "Resistance's" demands in this regard are met. Furthermore, Tehran and the "Resistance Front" expressed their intent to completely close the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, to punish what they termed "Zionists and their supporters."