Following Trump’s Threats, Iran Hardens Stance: 'No Further Peace Talks Until Lebanon Issue is Resolved'

Zurich: Iran's delegation walked out of peace talks with the US in Switzerland on Sunday after Trump threatened military strikes. The Iranian team said Trump's aggressive statements made it impossible to negotiate. They refused to take photos with American officials as planned. The talks started badly and got worse. Trump posted threats on Truth Social while negotiations were happening. He said the US would attack Iran if they didn't stop funding groups in Lebanon. He also threatened to take control of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side saw this as disrespect and walked out.

Did Iran really leave the talks?

The Iranian delegation walked out for a few hours during the first round. They came back later but made it clear they were unhappy. According to media reports, Trump's threats violated the spirit of negotiations.

Why did they skip the photo session?

Iran's lead negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi refused to pose for pictures with US officials. This was supposed to happen before talks started. It was meant to show both sides were working together. They saw it as a photo opportunity for Trump to use back home.

What did Iran formally object to?

Iran submitted an official complaint about Trump's language. They said it showed bad faith. Before the talks even started, Trump was threatening attacks. This set a bad tone for everything.

What was actually discussed?

The first round covered three main things; ending the war, lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, and releasing frozen Iranian funds. Iran has about $6 billion frozen in banks around the world. They want that money back.

Iran said that the further talks are possible but only if Lebanon gets a full ceasefire. Member of Iran's delegation Mehdi Gorbanjaadeh said clearly: "Until the Lebanon situation is solved, there's no point talking about anything else. If the war in Lebanon doesn't stop, we won't move forward on other issues."

What did Trump said about Lebanon?

Trump told Iran to stop funding groups in Lebanon immediately. He said if they didn't, the US would attack. He said the attack would be bigger and stronger than last week's strikes.

How did Iran's negotiators respond?

They fired back hard. Ghalibaf told Trump to watch his language. He said Trump's threats don't scare them. "Our armed forces are ready to answer you differently," Ghalibaf said. "You can do whatever you want. We will act." He questioned why Trump makes threats if they actually worked. If they did, he said, Trump wouldn't be in this desperate situation trying to negotiate.

What about sanctions relief?

Iran's team finished the draft for lifting oil sanctions. This should be happen soon. They also pushed hard on releasing the frozen funds. This is one of Iran's main conditions for ending the conflict. Iran discussed the details with Qatari officials.

What's Iran's main demand?

It is clear that the Lebanon is also the point of center of discussion from Iran's side. Iran cleared that until there's a full ceasefire there, Iran won't keep negotiating. Israel has been striking Lebanon heavily. Iran sees this as part of the broader conflict.

Did Iran's President said anything?

President Masoud Pezeshkian said the agreement terms favor Iran. He said the frozen $6 billion in Qatar will be returned. He also addressed the nuclear issue directly. "America only has one condition," Pezeshkian said. "That we don't have nuclear bombs. That's exactly what our leaders always said. We don't want nuclear bombs." He said Iran agreed to put it in writing and sign. But he made clear this depends on what happens in Lebanon. If Israel doesn't stop attacking, talks go nowhere.

What Iran said about Israel?

Pezeshkian had said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be the most unhappy if there's a deal.