Efforts to secure a peace agreement between Iran and the United States suffered a major setback on Sunday after Tehran declared there was “no point” in continuing negotiations, citing Israel’s latest military strike in Beirut and accusing Washington of failing to honour its commitments.
The remarks came just hours after Israel said it had carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area commonly known as Dahieh. The attack has raised fresh doubts over a deal that US President Donald Trump had repeatedly suggested was close to completion.
Trump said on Saturday that an agreement aimed at ending the regional conflict was expected to be signed on Sunday and that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward. However, Iranian officials signalled that no final decision had yet been made.
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf argued that the latest Israeli strike demonstrated either a lack of willingness or inability on the part of the United States to ensure implementation of its commitments. He said under such circumstances there was little justification for continuing the current negotiating process.
The proposed agreement reportedly covers not only the conflict involving Iran but also the parallel hostilities in Lebanon. Iran has consistently maintained that any comprehensive settlement must address both fronts.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Qatar have continued diplomatic efforts to facilitate an agreement. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Sunday to assist with discussions, while Pakistan had earlier indicated that a signing ceremony could take place soon.
Several major issues remain unresolved, including control of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Tehran insists on maintaining authority over the waterway and handling its nuclear material domestically, while Washington has advocated international oversight and removal of the enriched uranium.
The regional situation remained tense as Israel issued evacuation warnings for dozens of villages in southern Lebanon and conducted further strikes near Beirut. Lebanese authorities reported at least three deaths and six injuries, while Israel said three suspected Hezbollah drones struck northern Israel without causing casualties.
The latest escalation has cast uncertainty over the timing and prospects of any breakthrough agreement, despite weeks of optimistic statements from Washington.
