Iran refuses to continue peace talks with US unless Israel stops strikes on Lebanon, Gaza

Tehran: In a big blow to the stuttering peace process in the Middle East, Iran has refused to continue the on and off dialogue process with USA unless Israel puts a stop to air strikes on Lebanon and Gaza. Negotiations were underway to halt the conflict between Israel and Iran, with the United States acting as a mediator. However, Israel has launched an incursion into Lebanon and seized an ancient fortress. This single move has derailed the entire negotiation process.

How did Iran react to Israel's attack on Lebanon?

Iran categorically declared that there would be no further talks. Furthermore, the subsequent threats issued are of such magnitude that they could leave the entire world holding its breath. Meanwhile, on the other hand, US President Donald Trump continues to assert that Iran is eager for peace talks, noting that negotiations are currently stalled over just a few specific issues.

Situated along the Israel-Lebanon border is a powerful faction known as Hezbollah. This group operates on funding and weaponry provided by Iran. When the conflict between Israel and Gaza erupted in 2023, Hezbollah also launched attacks against Israel. Consequently, the lives of residents in northern Israel became increasingly difficult. In retaliation, Israel significantly weakened Hezbollah. In late 2024, with U.S. assistance, a truce was brokered, bringing a temporary halt to the fighting. However, this peace proved short-lived.

Why Did Fighting Resume in March 2025?

On March 2, Hezbollah once again launched an attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched a ground operation, pushing deep into Lebanese territory. Israel claims that Hezbollah had been re-stocking its arsenal and conducting attacks using a novel type of drone—one powered by fiber-optic cables. This very same type of drone is also being extensively utilized in the conflict in Ukraine.

What is Beaufort Castle, and Why is it Significant?

This Sunday, the Israeli military seized control of an ancient fortress situated atop a strategic height deep within Lebanon. The site is known as Beaufort, or Al-Shaqif. Perched at an elevation of approximately 700 meters, the fortress offers a commanding panoramic view encompassing both Lebanon and northern Israel.

The fortress dates back nearly 1,000 years, having been originally constructed in the 12th century. This site has been occupied at various times by Salahuddin's forces, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, the French, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and Israel. Israel captured it in 1982 and withdrew from it in 2000. Now, 25 years later, Israel has returned to the area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this fortress stands as a symbol of the Israeli military's bravery. However, some Israeli experts themselves argue that this move will yield no significant benefit. Orna Mizrahi, a former government official, remarked that the question weighing on people's minds is: what, ultimately, will be achieved by all of this? She contends that the problem of Hezbollah cannot be resolved through military force alone; a political solution must also be found.

What is effect of Israel's aggression in Lebanon?

The Israeli military has seized control of large swathes of southern Lebanon. Homes and historical sites in the region are being demolished. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam asserted that Israel is pursuing a policy aimed at the complete obliteration of cities and towns. He further claimed that Israel is attempting to erase Lebanon's collective memory and obliterate the identity of its people.

Israel has issued warnings to residents in southern Lebanon, urging them to evacuate the area. Since March 3rd, more than 3,300 people have been killed in Lebanon, including dozens of children. Approximately one million people have fled their homes. Hundreds of people have also lost their lives in the capital, Beirut. In April, heavy bombardment—lasting just a few minutes—inflicted extensive damage upon the city. On the Israeli side, 25 soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed. Two civilians have also lost their lives in northern Israel.

In April, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon commenced in Washington. This marks the first time in over 30 years that such an event has occurred, as there are currently no diplomatic relations between these two nations. Last Friday, direct military talks also took place between the two countries—a first in decades.

The key issues on the agenda during these discussions include when Israel will withdraw from Lebanon, when the Lebanese army will be deployed to the region, and when and how Hezbollah's weaponry will be dismantled. However, Hezbollah is not participating in these talks and has explicitly stated that it will not lay down its arms as long as Israel remains present in Lebanon. Hezbollah seeks to leverage Iran's influence in the negotiations and views the Lebanese government as too weak.

Public opinion within Lebanon itself remains divided on this matter. Many citizens are resentful of Hezbollah, accusing it of plunging the country into ruin. Yet, simultaneously, there is a deep-seated mistrust of Israel. The Lebanese Prime Minister himself has acknowledged that, for the moment, these talks represent the path of "least harm," though he offered no guarantees that they would yield any concrete results.

What is the issue between Israel and Iran?

Israel is not engaged in conflict solely within Lebanon; it is also involved in a direct confrontation with Iran. The United States had been acting as a mediator to facilitate talks aimed at de-escalating this conflict. These negotiations were being conducted indirectly, through intermediaries.

However, Iran has now announced that it is halting this exchange of messages with the United States. Iran has categorically stated that no further negotiations will take place until Israel ceases its attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.

Iran and its allied factions have declared that they are preparing to completely blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, they have threatened to block the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait as well. These two waterways serve as critical conduits through which a significant portion of the world's oil and goods are transported. A closure of these straits would result in global oil prices skyrocketing and bring maritime trade to a complete standstill.