Is Israel derailing US-Iran peace talks? Lebanon strikes cast shadow over negotiations

Key points

• Beirut strikes raise questions over diplomacy Iran links Lebanon ceasefire to wider US talks Israel’s decision to resume strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs has added a new layer of complexity to the fragile diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, with Iranian officials questioning whether military escalation by Israel is undermining efforts to reach a broader agreement with the United States.The renewed attacks come as US and Iranian officials continue indirect negotiations aimed at ending months of confrontation across the region.
• While discussions remain focused on security issues, Tehran has repeatedly argued that developments in Lebanon cannot be separated from wider US-Iran talks.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that negotiations were progressing slowly because of deep mistrust, conflicting messages from Washington and continued Israeli military actions.“Negotiations have started amid severe suspicion and mistrust, and the exchange of messages is taking place in this atmosphere,” Baghaei said.