Tehran Ties Participation in US Negotiations to Halt in Lebanon

(MENAFN) Tehran has informed international mediators that its participation in peace talks with Washington depends on the establishment of a ceasefire in Lebanon, according to reports.

Iran also indicated it might reverse its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following earlier reports that oil tanker passage through the strategic waterway had been suspended after Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Tehran warned that attacks on Israel and other regional states could resume if bombardments in Lebanon continue.

The warning comes amid mixed signals over the scope of the regional truce. The US president reportedly stated that Lebanon is excluded from the current ceasefire, citing Hezbollah as the primary reason for the omission. He also indicated that negotiations in Pakistan could begin as early as Friday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged reports of ceasefire violations and urged all parties to exercise restraint to keep diplomacy at the forefront.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route through which roughly 20 million barrels pass daily, had been effectively disrupted by Iran following the US-Israeli offensive launched on February 28. The disruption sent global oil prices higher and unsettled financial markets. Iran agreed to reopen the waterway under the ceasefire terms announced Tuesday, less than two hours before the expiration of a deadline set by the US president.

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