Speaker warns Israeli attacks Lebanon could halt US talks

A senior Iranian official has warned that continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon could lead Iran to suspend diplomatic talks with the United States and directly confront Israel. The warning was issued by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in a public statement and during a telephone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart, Nabih Berri, on Monday.

Ghalibaf stated that if Israeli attacks in Lebanon persist, Iran will not only halt the dialogue process with Washington but will also stand against Israel. He described the bond between Iran and Lebanon as inseparable. Berri, in response, thanked Iran for its supportive positions during what he termed a critical period.

The development follows reports from Iranian media that Tehran has suspended the exchange of messages with the United States through intermediaries. Iranian officials cited ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon as a violation of ceasefire preconditions, asserting that a ceasefire must encompass all regional fronts to be valid.

Tensions have escalated alongside a sustained Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon, which has included daily attacks on multiple settlements. Over the...