Iran warns it may suspend talks with the US as Israel does not withdraw troops from southern Lebanon

Iran may halt negotiations with the United States if Israel does not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, according to a report by the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim.

At the same time, Israel has made it clear that, under the current circumstances, it does not plan to withdraw from southern Lebanon, creating a new obstacle to reaching a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran.

According to Tasnim, Tehran sees implementation of the first article of the interim agreement negotiated with the US as a fundamental condition for continuing the talks.

This article includes ending conflicts on all fronts, including in Lebanon, as well as respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that country.

The Iranian agency stresses that the Iranian side has made it clear that if these demands are not met, the negotiation process cannot continue.

“Ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, as well as guaranteeing Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, are necessary conditions for the continuation of the negotiations,” the Iranian agency’s report said.

Tasnim adds that without the implementation of these conditions, “the negotiations are essentially meaningless,” emphasizing that, according to Tehran’s position, diplomatic progress is directly tied to developments in Lebanon.