Lauge Risom Koch 
Iran has suspended peace negotiations with the United States and threatened action in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait unless Israeli operations in Lebanon and Gaza come to an end.
Iran has suspended peace negotiations with the United States and warned that it could escalate pressure on strategic shipping routes across the Middle East.
The announcement links any future diplomatic progress to an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.
Talks suspended
According to Digi24, citing Tasnim and The Guardian, Iran has halted indirect communications with the United States through mediators.
Iranian officials said negotiations will remain frozen while Israeli military operations continue in Lebanon.
The move comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving Israel, Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups.
Tehran has repeatedly argued that diplomatic progress depends on a broader ceasefire in the region.
Ceasefire conditions
According to Digi24, Iran reaffirmed that any agreement with Washington aimed at ending the conflict is conditional on a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Israeli forces have continued operations against Hezbollah positions, with the group remaining one of Tehran’s closest regional allies.
Iran has also linked its position to developments in Gaza.
The latest statement signals that Tehran is unwilling to separate diplomatic negotiations from events on the battlefield.
Threat to shipping
According to Digi24, citing Tasnim, Iran and what it described as the “resistance front” will seek to completely block the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for global oil exports and international trade.
Iran also threatened to “activate” other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near Yemen.
Any disruption to either maritime corridor could have major consequences for global shipping and energy markets.
Regional allies
The Guardian noted that the reference to the “resistance front” likely includes Iran-backed groups operating across the region.
Among them are Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who control large parts of the country and have previously launched attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The Houthis have been responsible for numerous shipping disruptions since the outbreak of the wider regional conflict.
Their involvement would further raise concerns over maritime security in the Middle East.
Sources: Digi24, The Guardian, Tasnim
