Tehran: Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle-East, the ceasefire that was agreed between the US and Iran may likely to end if Israel continued with its
attack on Tehran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both sides had announced a ceasefire in April after conflicts escalated since February 28.
As per a report by Iranian state news agency Tasnim, Tehran was ending indirect negotiations with the US after Israel ordered its troops to enter deep into Lebanon, affecting the diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region.
Iran stops exchange of messages with US?
The report claimed that Iran’s negotiating team decided to stop the exchange of messages with the US through mediators over attacks on Lebanon, where Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah has reignited. However, there is no immediate confirmation by Iran or reaction from the US or Israel over the report.
The report has further reduced the hope of a quick end of conflicts in the Middle East. Iran had earlier claimed to have attacked a US air base after Washington’s warplanes hit Iranian military targets, leading to further complications in ceasefire talks.
Israeli PM Netanyahu orders attacks on Hezbollah
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on the Hezbollah-controlled areas of Beirut, prompting another wave of conflicts which already have affected nearly over 1 million people in Lebanon, news agency Reuters reported.
Issuing a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said that due to repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah and the “attacks against cities and citizens,” the Israeli military has been ordered to attack Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Trump claims halting of Israel’s movements towards Beirut
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, late on Monday, claimed that he had discussed with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and added that Israel’s movements towards Beirut has been stopped. “I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back,” Trump wrote.
